According to e27, the first seven months of 2026 saw Malaysia introduce six major technology-related laws, establishing comprehensive regulation across AI, cryptocurrencies, and digital platforms. Key developments include: The Online Safety Act (ONSA), effective January 1, mandates licensing for platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users; The Cybercrime Act, passed on July 1, criminalizes deepfakes and AI-generated intimate images, with penalties of up to seven years in prison and a fine of RM500,000; The Competition (Amendment) Act brings digital platforms under antitrust oversight; The AI Governance Act is currently open for public consultation, proposing to extend intellectual property protection to AI training data and outputs—a first in ASEAN; The Securities Commission tightened compliance requirements for DAX operators on May 20, with six licensed exchanges currently operating; The Consumer Credit Act, effective March 1, brings BNPL service providers under formal regulatory oversight.
Malaysia introduces six major tech-related laws in the first half of 2026.
TechFlowShare
Summary
In early 2026, Malaysia introduced six key technology laws, aligning with global standards such as MiCA. The Online Safety Act, effective January 1, requires licenses for large platforms. The Cybercrime Act, enacted on July 1, imposes penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines of 500,000 ringgit for deepfakes. Amendments to the Competition Act now bring digital platforms under antitrust regulations. The AI Governance Bill, currently open for consultation, proposes intellectual property protection for AI-generated outputs. On May 20, the Securities Commission updated DAX compliance requirements, licensing six exchanges. The Consumer Credit Act, effective March 1, regulates BNPL providers. These laws also incorporate CFT measures to prevent the misuse of digital assets.
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