REGULATING AI IN MALAYSIA: BRIDGING THE GAPBETWEEN INNOVATION AND PROTECTION OF RIGHTS
- Feb 10
- 1 min read
Abstract
In Malaysia, the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is transforming industries, revolutionising work, and reshaping perceptions at an unprecedented pace. However, this exponential growth raises questions about whether AI’s benefits outweigh its harms. While AI streamlines processes, it threatens constitutional rights (Articles 5, 8, and 10), privacy under the UDHR, and IP rights through job displacement, algorithmic bias, deepfake, and data collection. These challenges expose the inadequacy of Malaysia’s current legal framework, which relies on outdated statutes and non-binding guidelines like the National AI Roadmap and Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics. The newly established National AI Office lacks the authority to enforce robust regulations, and expiring policies further weaken governance. To align with global leaders, Malaysia should enact a dedicated AI Act, modeled on the EU AI Act, which additionally categorises AI systems by risk levels and imposes stringent requirements for high-risk applications, ensuring ethical and safe AI use while protecting human rights. Moreover, Malaysia should establish an AI Oversight Board, inspired by the EU’s AI Board, to enforce compliance and ensure accountability. These reforms will effectively address the challenges above, positioning Malaysia as a responsible AI powerhouse that balances innovation with rights protection, ensuring an ethical and sustainable AI landscape.
Wong Jia Yan, University Malaya
Teoh Jay Ling, Universiti Malaya
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