The bill, aims to strengthen enforcement of copyright laws especially in the digital environment, among others, by introducing copyright infringement offences involving streaming technology in line with the development of online content streaming.

Domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the bill, which will introduce amendments to the Copyright Act 1987 (Act 332), will also expand enforcement powers to ensure more effective action against those who commit copyright infringement.

“Act 332 is amended to ensure copyright laws provide more efficient and effective protection in line with current demands and to fulfill the needs of the business community and stakeholders.

“In addition, copyright laws need to be improved periodically in tandem with development of copyright protection and in accordance with provisions in international agreements,” he said when tabling the bill for second reading today.

According to Nanta, his ministry would ensure that Act 332 amendments provide suitable copyright protection including implementing allowed exceptions of rights and international ratification.

The amendments are also to prepare Malaysia to join the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled to acknowledge the rights of visually impaired individuals to obtain works in an accessible format.

He said Malaysia’s participation as a member of the Marrakesh Treaty would contribute to the country’s socio-economic development in providing exceptions from obtaining the approval of copyright owners to make and distribute reading materials in accessible format to visually-impaired individuals.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow.