The Personal Data Protection Bill 2009 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat today without any “fireworks” as had been expected.
Debate on it lasted less than three hours and was mainly focused on several issues, specifically credit reference agencies, in particular Credit Tip Off Sdn Bhd (CTOS), the time frame of data protection and the factor of implementation of the Act.
Prior to this, there had been calls for the introduction of such an Act following controversies over the role of CTOS in relation to people’s creditworthiness.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, when winding up debate on the Bill, said the Personal Data Protection Commissioner, who would be appointed to enforce the Act, would be responsible for monitoring the activities of all credit reference agencies.
The Act also seeks to prevent abuse of personal data of citizens for commercial purposes.
Read more on the Malaysian Insider.