KUALA LUMPUR: Teo Nie Ching, the Deputy Communications and Digital Minister, has revealed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has put an investigation standard operating procedure (SOP) in place to prevent data leakage during the investigation period. From 2019 to the present year, MCMC has confiscated a total of 220 tablets, laptops, and mobile phones for investigation purposes.
“Typically, the confiscated devices will be returned to the concerned party within a period of three to four months if no charges are made in court. However, if charges are filed, the devices need to be brought to court,” she said during the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat Monday (Nov 27).
She was responding to a supplementary query from Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baharu) about the ministry’s steps to prevent information leakage during the investigation process of agencies or enforcement bodies, ensuring transparency and integrity.
Teo mentioned that the inspection of individuals investigated under any offence according to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) can be carried out by authorized officers using a search warrant from the Court, based on Section 247 of Act 588.
“During the inspection, authorized MCMC officers or police officers have the right to access computerized data, as provided under Section 249 and Section 254 of Act 588,” she added.
In response to a question regarding the need to amend the law allowing only police officers with the rank of Inspector and above to check the mobile phones of the general public, Teo explained that the entire investigation process is conducted transparently and comprehensively, ensuring legal principles are upheld fairly.
Teo also addressed the decision to place the Department of Community Communications (J-KOM) under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) rather than the Ministry of Communications and Digital. She stated that, for now, the unity government’s position is that J-KOM remains under JPM.
She added that the decision to place the department under JPM was made during the administration of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, but Teo said that the transfer of jurisdiction for the department in the future depends on the decision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – Bernama
