Kuching: The Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA), which came into force on Thursday, promises to strengthen security controls and ensure safer social media use, especially for minors, according to Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy Shukri emphasized that online safety is now a shared responsibility between parents and digital platform operators. She explained that the enforcement of the Act aims to reduce exposure to harmful content and security threats, which have become increasingly concerning. She highlighted the need for cooperation from all parties to create a safe digital environment for the younger generation. Despite the operators' involvement, she reiterated the crucial role of parents and the community in effectively implementing the Act, with hopes of comprehensively enhancing children's online safety.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced the Act's enforcement on January 1. ONSA provides a legal framework to increase online safety and bolster user protection, focusing particularly on children and families. It is applicable to service providers with specific licenses under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 but excludes individual users.
In addition, Nancy discussed the Leadership Development Workshop for Dayak Women Entrepreneurs, noting that the Kuching Women's Empowerment and Sustainability Network Organisation, in collaboration with the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will run the Program Perantis-Pendaya. This initiative is designed to empower Dayak women entrepreneurs and is part of the broader Perantis initiative by the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM).
The Perantis programme aims to foster leadership development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive socioeconomic empowerment for women. Scheduled for January 12 to 13 at the Dayak Chamber in Kuching, the workshop will involve 50 Dayak women entrepreneurs, including those new to business, family business owners, startups, and community-based enterprises.