Malaysia H1 2026 Intensive Legislation, AI, Crypto, and Digital Platform Regulation Comprehensively Upgraded

According to e27, in the first seven months of 2026, Malaysia intensively introduced six major technology-related laws, covering full-stack regulation of AI, cryptocurrency, and digital platforms. Key developments include: The "Online Safety Act" (ONSA) took effect on January 1, implementing mandatory licensing for platforms with more than 8 million Malaysian users; The "Cybercrime Bill" was passed on July 1, classifying deepfakes and AI-generated intimate images as criminal offenses, with a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 ringgit; The "Competition Act Amendment" brings digital platforms within the scope of anti-monopoly regulation; The "AI Governance Act" is open for public consultation, proposing to include AI training data and output content under intellectual property protection, a first for ASEAN; The Securities Commission's Digital Asset Guidelines tightened compliance requirements for DAX operators on May 20, with six licensed exchanges currently; The "Consumer Credit Act" formally brought BNPL service providers under regulation starting March 1.