Personal Data Protection Law To Be Enforced Next Year
9th October 2003 (Bernama)

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Government is expected to introduce a Personal Data Protection law early next year which seeks to regulate the collection, possession, processing and use of personal data by individuals or organisations.

"This is to protect the individual's personal data and safeguard the privacy of an individual," said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, here Thursday.

According to him, in this Internet-era personal data of individuals, like addresses and identity card numbers, can be retrieved easily and obtained without the consent of the owners.

"And it is almost impossible to trace who released the data and the new legislation ought to - in terms of the rights of individuals - determine what kind of data can be accessed," he said.

Speaking at a seminar on protection of personal data, he said the law was being drafted by the Energy, Communications and Multimedia Ministry, assisted by his Ministry.

Dr Rais added that the legislation would establish a set of common rules and guidelines and treatment of personal data by any person or organisation.

He also said the new law would, among others, impose stricter penalties against violators, including jail sentences of between three and 12 years depending on the degree of their crimes.

He pointed out that the emergence of Internet-driven economy and tecnologies had made it easier for the personal data of individuals, particularly consumers, to be garnered and exploited for commercial use.