LegCo member urges stern enforcement of Internet crime laws

Bandar Seri Begawan - Legislative Council (LegCo) member YB Datin Paduka Hjh Salbiah binti Hj Sulaiman yesterday called for the "strong" enforcement of laws against cyber crime, including false news reports or malicious rumours on social networking apps such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

Speaking at the LegCo meeting, YB Datin Paduka Hjh Salbiah said the latest reports showed that cyber crimes had increased by 20 per cent in 2012 to a total of 2,000 cases.

"The police have also reported cases relating to the Internet and underage sex, cyber-bullying using social media, as well as incidents involving spreading false news reports through social networking apps such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

"Alhamdulillah, the Government now has ITPSS to monitor attacks through the Internet".

She said the Penal Code was recently amended, including matters on court prosecution relating to technology equipment.

"Thus, power has been given and now the Royal Brunei Police Force must augment its enforcement so that it (cyber crime) can be brought to justice."

She believed that only through the "strong" enforcement of the laws can the nation instill discipline in the public to be more responsible in using social media because "we do not want the government to opt to restrict public freedom in using social networking".

In reply, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, the Minister of Finance II at the PMO said the matters raised by the LegCo member will be addressed when the LegCo discusses e-Government development.