PUTRAJAYA – TikTok must take responsibility amid the death of local influencer Rajeswary Appahu, fondly known as Esha, who was reportedly cyberbullied, said Fahmi Fadzil.
The communications minister said he spoke to the representatives of the social media platform regarding the incident and was expected to meet them next week.
“I have contacted TikTok and informed them that they must be responsible. They are prepared to cooperate with the ministry to overcome this issue, and they will meet with us next week,” he told reporters at a press conference at the ministry today.
Fahmi also added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed serious dissatisfaction over the incident, instructing both the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and police to take stern action and stop the prevalence of cyberbullying.
Following a recent meeting with ministries and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Fahmi said he informed the cabinet of three main measures to curb cyberbullying. This includes amending existing laws and reviewing the need for a new Cyberbullying Act.
In addition, Fahmi added that the ministry would improve the administrative management of the MCMC and police by streamlining procedures for lodging reports to both authoritative bodies.
He also proposed a national tour campaign, with the cooperation of several ministries, to raise online safety awareness and address cyberbullying, scams, and personal data issues.
The cabinet said existing laws were sufficient but “swift and tough actions” are needed for enforcement against cyberbullies, he added, while also urging for a stop on fake accounts created to harass others online.
Recently, police arrested two individuals suspected of cyberbullying Esha under Section 506 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the MCMC Act 1998, and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.
Esha died on July 5, 2024, reportedly after facing a month of online bullying.
Authorities confirmed that two TikTok accounts were involved in making vulgar and threatening remarks towards Esha – @dulal_brotherss and @alphaquinnsha.
Before her death, Esha lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi police station, detailing the violent threats made against her.
She reported that a TikTok account with the handle @dulal_brotherss hosted a livestream on June 30 with around 700 viewers, during which participants made rape and death threats against her. – July 12, 2024