Zahid: 2026 Cyber Crime Bill allows courts to freeze scam proceeds before suspects are charged

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the provision under clause 54 enables the court to issue orders to prevent or stop violations of the law, thereby protecting victims of cybercrime. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 05 Nov 2026 8:59 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — The 2026 Cyber Crime Bill provides powers for the court to issue property restriction orders to prevent scam proceeds from being dissipated, even before a suspect has been charged.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the provision under clause 54 enables the court to issue orders to prevent or stop violations of the law, thereby protecting victims of cybercrime.

“Among the orders that can be issued include cessation orders, restitution orders to victims, compliance orders, and property restriction orders to prevent assets such as scam proceeds from being dissipated,” he said in a written Dewan Rakyat reply yesterday. 

He said that applications to obtain such orders can be submitted by the Public Prosecutor or an authorised officer.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the Bill - passed by Parliament last July - was formulated to tackle online scams utilising artificial intelligence (AI), including identity impersonation, deepfakes, and digital manipulation.

He was answering a question from Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) regarding the adequacy of the existing legal framework to handle AI-based online fraud, as well as specific reinforced provisions to accelerate actions against syndicates and protect victims. — Bernama