KUALA LUMPUR (March 27): The Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024, which is aimed at bolstering national cybersecurity by mandating compliance with specific measures and standards.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo tabled the bill for its second reading, and it received approval through a majority voice vote after Members of Parliament from both sides of the aisle debated on it.

In his winding-up speech, Gobind clarified that Clause 2(2) of the bill, which grants immunity from prosecution to both the federal and state governments, does not imply leniency toward the authorities.

He said the federal and state governments remain bound by the proposed law, as government entities as mentioned in the bill encompass ministries, federal agencies and state governments.

"These government entities are obligated to provide information on critical national data, implement the code of practice, conduct cybersecurity risk analyses and audits, report cybersecurity incidents and engage in cybersecurity exercises," he said.

Despite the bill indicating that federal or state governments would not face prosecution for non-compliance with its provisions, Gobind reiterated Putrajaya's commitment to ensuring full compliance with the bill's provisions by both federal and state agencies, emphasizing that adherence to existing laws would be closely monitored and enforced.

Among other things, the bill relates to the establishment of the National Cyber Security Committee, the duties and powers of the chief executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa), the appointment of heads of critical national information infrastructure sectors, and the designation of critical national information infrastructure entities.