KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced a public consultation on the proposed regulatory framework for the storage, retention, and disclosure of communication data for investigative purposes.
The initiative follows recent amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), including the introduction of sections 252A, 252B, and 268A, which came into effect in February 2025.
These new provisions provide a legal foundation for the retention, preservation, and disclosure of communication data to support criminal investigations.
In a statement released today, MCMC highlighted the growing need for law enforcement agencies to access “data that is accurate, reliable, and timely” in order to effectively address the increasingly complex and widespread threats of online fraud, identity theft, cyberbullying, and harassment.
The statement stressed that “access to accurate and reliable data is critical to ensuring public and national security.”
The proposed framework aims to assist law enforcement investigations, offer clear guidance to service providers, and ensure that “the privacy of the public continues to be safeguarded” through transparent regulations and processes.
MCMC also noted that, from June 16-17, 2025, it held a series of engagement sessions with key stakeholders from various sectors, including the legal industry, law enforcement, civil society, and academia.
Participants in these sessions included the Malaysian Bar Council, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), PIKOM, and others.
“MCMC remains committed to continuing this collaborative engagements” to build a safer and more inclusive digital ecosystem.
The Commission encourages industry players, civil society, and the public to take part in this consultation process, which will run from July 25, 2025, to August 8, 2025.
This consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to “offer feedback and contribute to the development of a balanced, inclusive regulatory framework that aligns with the needs of national enforcement and global data protection standards.”
The Public Consultation Paper on the Proposed Regulatory Framework for the Retention, Preservation, and Disclosure of Communication Data is available at the following link: MCMC Public Consultation Paper. – July 25, 2025