Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has removed 27,704 pieces of cyberbullying content from a total of 35,781 complaints received between January and October 1.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted a significant rise in takedowns compared to the previous year, when 8,756 pieces were removed from 11,385 complaints. Teo stated that this year's figures are nearly 3.2 times higher, indicating a troubling trend in the prevalence of cyberbullying, particularly impacting students and young individuals.

Teo emphasized the importance of proactive measures such as digital education, public awareness, and ongoing monitoring of online content to address this issue. She made these remarks during the launch of the Negeri Sembilan Safe Internet Campaign.

She also stressed the need to build resilience among the younger generation against cyberbullying through initiatives like the Safe Internet Campaign, which aims to enhance their understanding of online safety. Teo acknowledged the dual nature of the Internet, which, while beneficial, poses challenges like cyberbullying, online fraud, misinformation, digital gambling, and the sexual exploitation of children.

As of yesterday, 4,511 schools nationwide have participated in the Safe Internet Campaign, engaging over 227,000 students, teachers, and stakeholders. Negeri Sembilan is the first state to complete the campaign across all 479 schools. Teo affirmed that the campaign will continue in phases across the country to prepare students for digital challenges and promote positive, safe, and responsible Internet usage.

Teo urged society to use the campaign as a foundation for fostering a culture of safe, ethical, and responsible Internet use.