Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced plans to improve the country’s sports performance following the conclusion of the Olympic Games in Paris, where Malaysian athletes brought home two bronze medals. Mr. Anwar congratulated the athletes and expressed hope for the development of new plans to enhance national sports performance in the future. Malaysia’s two bronze medals were won by the badminton team, while hopes for the country’s first Olympic gold medal were dashed after a disqualification in cycling.
With 15 medals in silver and bronze, Malaysia is the most successful country without a gold at the Olympic Games. However, four countries in Southeast Asia – Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar – have yet to medal at the Games. The alleged cyberbullying of Malaysian athletes has raised concerns, with Minister Fahmi Fadzil acknowledging the athletes’ complaints and warning against the negative impact of online comments on mental health. The Communications Minister noted that cyberbullying perpetrators often hide behind fake accounts, making it difficult for social media platforms to curb such behavior effectively.
In response to the growing issue of cyberbullying and online harassment, Malaysian authorities are considering amending the country’s Penal Code to introduce specific provisions for the offense of cyberbullying. This comes after the death of influencer Rajeswary Appahu, who died by suicide after allegedly being cyberbullied. The government has also taken a tougher stance against Big Tech and social media firms, announcing that social media and internet messaging platforms with at least eight million registered users must apply for a class license from 2025 or face penalties.
Minister Fahmi emphasized the importance of safeguarding the well-being of athletes who may be affected by cyberbullying, pointing out that some comments from netizens can be harsh and detrimental to mental health. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has received reports of cyberbullying incidents, but action against perpetrators hiding behind fake accounts remains a challenge for social media platforms. While specific laws to tackle cyberbullying are currently lacking in the country, efforts are being made to address this issue and protect individuals from online harassment and negativity.
The Malaysian government’s focus on enhancing sports performance and addressing cyberbullying reflects a broader commitment to promoting a safe and supportive environment for athletes and individuals. By introducing measures to regulate social media platforms and combat cyberbullying, authorities aim to create a more positive online experience for users while safeguarding mental well-being. As Malaysia navigates the challenges of cyberbullying and works towards improving its sports performance on the global stage, the government’s efforts underscore the importance of addressing online harassment and promoting a culture of respect and support in the digital sphere.
