Malaysia urged to modernise submarine cable protection laws

Malaysia's current legal framework governing submarine cable protection relies on legislation dating back to the telegraph era, leaving critical digital infrastructure vulnerable to damage from both deliberate and negligent actions. As the country becomes increasingly dependent on undersea cables for internet connectivity, telecommunications, and financial services, legal experts warn that existing laws are inadequate for modern threats.

Submarine cables form the backbone of Malaysia's digital lifelines, carrying over 99 percent of international data traffic. Despite their critical importance to the nation's economy and security, the legal penalties for damaging these cables remain insufficient to deter serious violations or adequately compensate for disruptions.

The United Kingdom has implemented more robust protections for its submarine cable infrastructure, including substantially higher penalties for intentional or reckless damage. Legal specialists suggest Malaysia could adopt similar measures to better safeguard its own undersea cable network against threats ranging from ship anchor strikes to deliberate sabotage.

Updating Malaysia's submarine cable protection legislation would require harmonising existing laws with contemporary risks and ensuring penalties proportionate to the potential damage. Such reforms would strengthen the nation's digital resilience while establishing clear deterrents against actions that could compromise critical communications infrastructure serving millions of Malaysians.