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New Laws & Reforms In 2026

From stricter social media laws to mandatory community service for littering, here is your essential guide to the major regulations taking effect in Malaysia on 1 January 2026.

Last updated at Jan 1, 2026

Hot

New Laws & Reforms In 2026

From stricter social media laws to mandatory community service for littering, here is your essential guide to the major regulations taking effect in Malaysia on 1 January 2026.

Last updated at Jan 1, 2026

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🔥 Online Safety Act Enforcement

The Online Safety Act 2025 comes into force on 1 January 2026, shifting legal responsibility from users to social media platforms. Platforms must remove harmful content, such as scams and child abuse material, within 24 hours of being flagged. The MCMC is the regulator, and platforms with over eight million users can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance.

- Generated by AI

🔥 Under-16 Social Media Ban

The government plans to bar children under 16 from holding social media accounts starting in 2026 as part of the new digital safety framework. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed platforms must implement age verification mechanisms to comply. This move aims to protect youths from online harm, including cyberbullying, scams, and child sexual abuse.

- Generated by AI

🔥 Social Media Licensing

Effective 1 January 2026, social media and messaging platforms with over eight million registered users in Malaysia are "deemed registered" as Class Application Service Providers (ASP). This regulatory mechanism automatically places tech giants like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook under local laws, making them directly liable for platform safety without needing to manually apply for a licence.

- Generated by AI

🔥 Youth Age Limit Lowered To 30

Effective 1 January 2026, the definition of 'youth' in Malaysia will be capped at 30 years old, lowered from the previous limit of 40. This reform also mandates that leaders of youth organisations must be aged between 18 and 30, with a term limit of four years, to encourage leadership transitions and empower the younger generation.

- Generated by AI

🔥 School Transfer Health Record Mandate

A new education regulation effective from the 2026 school session requires students transferring schools to submit comprehensive health records, including mental health assessments. This reform, part of the 'Aku Janji Sekolah' initiative, compels parents and schools to transparently document discipline and psychological health issues to ensure safer learning environments.

- Generated by AI

🔥 E-Invoicing Mandate Begins

E-invoicing is expected to be fully enforced by 1 January 2026 for businesses with an annual turnover between RM1 million and RM5 million. The mandate, overseen by the Inland Revenue Board, aims to strengthen digital tax compliance and improve reporting accuracy across the business sector. Businesses with a turnover below RM1 million are now exempt.

- Generated by AI

🔥 Vehicle Tax Exemption Limits

To curb tax evasion by the ultra-rich, the vehicle tax exemption in duty-free zones like Langkawi and Labuan will be capped at RM300,000 starting 1 January 2026. Luxury vehicles valued above this threshold will now be subject to tax, ending the loophole that allowed tax-free purchases of high-end supercars.

- Generated by AI

🔥 Automated Traffic Fines & Kejara 2.0

Traffic fine discounts will be automated from January 2026. A 50% discount applies if paid within 15 days, dropping to 30% thereafter, with full fines enforced after 30 days. Under the revamped Kejara 2.0 system, demerit points will be issued immediately upon summons, potentially leading to faster license suspensions for repeat offenders.

- Generated by AI

🔥 Bus Electrical Safety Certification

Following fatal electrocution incidents, all newly registered buses must possess an electrical wiring safety certificate (IWS-e) starting 1 January 2026. Existing bus operators have been granted a one-year grace period until 2027 to upgrade their fleets and obtain certification from JPJ-registered technicians.

- Generated by AI

🔥 Mandatory Public Service For Littering

From 1 January, mandatory community service will be enforced for littering offences nationwide. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed that offenders, including tourists and foreigners, will face a RM2,000 fine and up to 12 hours of public cleaning duties, such as scrubbing public toilets or unclogging drains.

- Generated by AI

🔥 'BMW' Toilet Standard for Businesses

Business licences for food premises in 20 major city areas will not be renewed in 2026 unless their toilets meet the 'BMW' standard—Bersih (Clean), Menawan (Attractive), and Wangi (Pleasant-smelling). Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed this requirement aims to upgrade public hygiene for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

- Generated by AI

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