Country · Asia
Malaysia: cyberbullying law for schools
Bottom line for counselors: Schools must have anti-bullying rules, and those rules cover online bullying. A regulator can order harmful posts taken down. Serious online abuse can be a crime.
Last verified: checked against official sources on 11 November 2026.
Country
Malaysia
New 16 June 2026: Malaysia's Anti-Bullying Act 2026 and Anti-Bullying Tribunal start
A new Anti-Bullying Act and tribunal since June 2026, bullying offences in the Penal Code, and an under-16 social media rule.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Anti-Bullying Act 2026 (Act 876), in force since 16 June 2026, sets duties for schools and created an Anti-Bullying Tribunal.
Legal detail and sources
The Act covers children under 18, including students in schools, tahfiz schools and MARA institutions. Schools must have anti-bullying policies, child-friendly reporting channels and counselling support. Complaints can go to the free Anti-Bullying Tribunal, and parents can be held jointly liable for its awards.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. Malaysia's bullying laws cover acts done online, including the Penal Code offences in force since July 2025.
Legal detail and sources
- Yes:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Yes. Under the Online Safety Act 2025 (in force 1 January 2026), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can require licensed platforms to deal with harmful content.
Legal detail and sources
The Act applies to platforms with at least 8 million users in Malaysia.
- Yes:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Yes. Since 1 June 2026, major licensed platforms must verify users' ages and stop children under 16 from registering accounts.
Legal detail and sources
Child Protection Code under the Online Safety Act 2025. Fines can reach RM10 million.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Yes. A 2018 Ministry of Education circular bars students from bringing smartphones to school; tablets and laptops may be allowed with school approval.
Legal detail and sources
- Yes:
When is online abuse a crime?
Yes. Since 11 July 2025, sections 507B to 507G of the Penal Code make bullying, harassment, doxxing and causing distress crimes, with heavier penalties if the victim self-harms or attempts suicide.
Legal detail and sources
Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 (Act A1750) and Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. The Anti-Bullying Act expects schools to train staff to prevent and respond to bullying.
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