13/07/2025

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JULY 13, 2025

Amended laws against bullying in force now KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments passed by Parliament last year to the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025, aimed at addressing physical and cyber bullying, came into force on Friday. The Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division said both Acts were passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 10, 2024 and in the Dewan Negara on Dec 16, 2024 with majority support from MPs. It said the enforcement of both Acts is an ongoing effort by the Madani government to strengthen the country’s legal system to keep pace with current needs and new challenges in the modern criminal landscape. “The implementation of these two Acts is to streamline legal procedures, improve the efficiency of the criminal justice process and allow for faster and stricter action against those who break the law,” the division said in a statement. The amendments to both Acts introduce specific provisions that allow for stricter legal action against bullies in line with the government’s commitment to protecting society, especially vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents and individuals put under mental harassment by bullies. The amendments also introduce new sections such as Sections 507B to 507G, which specifically provide for proportionate punishment for offences of threatening, insulting or defamatory communications intended to cause emotional distress or fear to victims. “It also includes the offence of distributing personal information without permission or doxing, which is now classified as a serious crime and punishable by up to three years’ in prison.” The introduction of the special provision stems from a review of shortcomings in existing laws which were found to be insufficient to address various forms of psychological and emotional threats in the increasingly challenging digital environment, Bernama reported. The government will also continue to ensure that the enforcement of this law is implemented fairly and equitably.

‘Nation’s foreign policy in line with Zopfan principles’

Malaysia as trading country cannot be seen as leaning towards any bloc but must maintain neutral stance for sake of stability and interests: Minister

Singapore and Thailand – on Nov 27, 1971 in Kuala Lumpur. Its goal is to ensure Southeast Asia remains free from any form of interference by external powers, a strategically neutral approach that was very important during the Cold War era. It is described as a doctrine highly relevant in the current geopolitical context, where Asean countries maintain the principle of neutrality while encouraging dialogue and the participation of major powers such as the US, China and Russia, without compromising regional sovereignty and autonomy. The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held over four days in Kuala Lumpur, focused on strengthening regional cooperation and jointly addressing global geopolitical and economic challenges.

relations

with

all

major powers.” On the Asean-US meeting on Thursday, Mohamad said no specific list of demands was presented by either party, and discussions focused more on regional security issues and long-term cooperation. “In the Post-Ministerial Conference with the US, we discussed the South China Sea issue and how the US, as a major power, needs to play a discerning role in this region.” He said the matter of tariffs imposed by the US on several Asean countries would be discussed bilaterally, including during upcoming meetings with partners such as the United Kingdom and the US, Bernama reported. Zopfan is a declaration signed by the foreign ministers of the five founding Asean countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,

Eye on illegal ship to-ship transfers KUALA LUMPUR: A new regulation aimed at tightening enforcement against illegal ship to-ship oil transfers in Malaysian waters is expected to come into force by the end of this month, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said the move reflects Malaysia’s commitment as a coastal nation to safeguard its maritime sovereignty and prevent the country’s image from being tarnished by baseless accusations. “This ship-to-ship issue has become a thorn in our side because we are often accused of practising or allowing illegal oil transfers to take place in our waters. This is our territory, and we will guard and control it more strictly,” he said during a media conference at the close of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Friday. He said under the new regulation, which is currently being finalised, any vessel found conducting unauthorised oil transfers would be detained. – Bernama (Zopfan), said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said as a trading nation Malaysia cannot be seen as leaning towards any bloc but must maintain a neutral stance for the sake of the country’s stability and interests. “The US is the biggest investor in our country while KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia maintains a balanced and neutral foreign policy approach in managing strategic relations with major powers such as the United States (US) and China in line with the principles of the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality

China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner,” he said at a media conference following the conclusion of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings on Friday. Mohamad said the neutral policy aligns with Malaysia’s commitments under Zopfan and Asean, which aim to maintain the region as a peaceful and stable zone. “Zopfan is very important for Malaysia and Asean. We are in a zone of peace. Therefore, we cannot be seen to lean towards any side, and that is our approach in balancing

MARKING A MILESTONE ... Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching with Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio, its founder Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi (right) and CEO Christopher Wong (foreground) at the 30th anniversary of MBR in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Madani tuition programme to kick off in Terengganu KUALA TERENGGANU: “I appreciate and

programmes and projects with an allocation of RM1.836 billion have been approved in Terengganu under the 12th Malaysia Plan’s Fifth Rolling Plan Development Programmes/Projects. He said this is an increase of RM239 million compared with last year. – Bernama

Alexander Nanta Linggi and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Anwar also asked the people of the state not to be influenced by baseless claims that the federal government is not carrying out any development programmes for their welfare. He said in fact a total of 445

when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Terengganu People’s Madani Programme 2025 at Pasar Kedai Payang yesterday. The event was attended by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Works Minister Datuk Seri

see Terengganu recording excellent results and I am also proud as a father and grandfather. (Therefore) I would like to announce specifically Madani tuition for Terengganu first. “This is the first such programme in Malaysia,” he said

Terengganu has been chosen to be the first state to implement the Madani tuition programme, with an allocation of RM5.27 million which will benefit 9,408 students and involve the assistance of 614 school teachers, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.