Malaysia’s anti-bullying laws to be used for first time in Zara Qairina’s case

PETALING JAYA – The Zara Qairina Mahathir case will be the first time specific anti-bullying laws will be used under the newly introduced Section 507D of the Penal Code, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says.

“The amendments were just gazetted in July this year and this is the first case under Section 507D of the Penal Code,” said the Home Minister, adding that bullying used to be probed under Section 233 of the Penal Code.

He also said the government is ready to consider the possibility of introducing a specific Act for bullying.

“If there is a need, I don’t think the government will be against it (bullying act),” added Saifuddin.

Section 507D, which is knows as the “Esha Clause”, was introduced in the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill (2) 2024 in honour of Rajeswary Appahhu, a cyberbullying victim who died by suicide in 2024.

Section 507D criminalises any words or actions used to threaten, insult or defame with the intent to provoke self-harm or harm to others.

The penalty for such offences includes imprisonment for up to one year, a fine or both.

Saifuddin also said investigations into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina had been widened to include those allegedly attempting to manipulate the case to disrupt public order.

He said police have opened 21 investigation papers covering issues such as the spread of false information on social media and fraudulent claims that encourage street gatherings.

“The investigation has been expanded to cover those found trying to manipulate this issue to disrupt public peace,” Saifuddin told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Aug 18).

He acknowledged that public demonstrations reflected frustration and a demand for swift action but said those who spread falsehoods or incite unrest would be brought to justice.

He said that the government’s commitment to justice must rest on facts and the rule of law.

“We must conduct investigations professionally and transparently, based on credible evidence and the provisions of the law.

“We are a civilised society governed by the rule of law. We cannot act on mere assumptions, rumours on social media, political pressure or demonstrations.

“Justice must be achieved through lawful processes,” he said.