What the New Law Says About Bullying – Including Online Abuse
Although the recent amendments to the Penal Code do not define “bullying” in so many words, they introduce six new offences—Sections 507B to 507G—that directly target the kinds of conduct most commonly associated with bullying, particularly verbal abuse, psychological harassment, and online threats.
These provisions apply to any form of bullying, whether in person, at school, in the workplace, or online. This is especially significant in an era where cyberbullying, including doxxing and online threats, is becoming increasingly common and damaging.
Section 507B – Threats or Abuse
Criminalises threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour, whether in person or online, if they are intended—or known to be likely—to cause harassment, distress, fear, or alarm. Penalty: up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
Section 507C – Causing Distress Without Intent
Even if the bully didn’t intend harm, they can be liable if their words or actions are likely to make a person feel distressed or alarmed. This includes cyber comments, messages, and posts. Penalty: up to 1 year in prison.
Section 507D – Causing Fear of Harm or Provoking Self-Harm
Making someone believe they or someone they care about will be harmed, or provoking them to harm themselves, is now a criminal offence. Includes online provocation or threats. If it results in suicide or an attempt, the penalty may extend to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Section 507E – Doxxing to Cause Distress
Makes it a crime to share or publish someone’s private information online (e.g. photos, phone numbers, addresses) with intent to cause distress or fear. Penalty: up to 3 years in prison.
Section 507F – Sharing Information to Threaten or Facilitate Harm
Criminalises sharing of personal information to make someone believe they will be harmed, or to help others attack or harass the person. Includes group targeting and viral attacks. Penalty: up to 1 year in prison.
Section 507G – Broad Definitions of Harm
Defines 'harm' to include not just physical injury, but also psychological harm, reputational damage, and emotional trauma—common outcomes of online bullying.
Together, these sections offer the most complete legal framework Malaysia has seen to date to combat bullying in both physical and digital spaces. They reflect a critical shift: that bullying—especially cyberbullying—is not merely misconduct, but can be a criminal act.
Still, the law could go further. A single, clearly defined offence of 'bullying' would help schools, workplaces, and the public more easily identify and act against it. Until then, these six provisions offer real protection, especially for those who suffer in silence behind screens of fear.