Main image via Facebook + The Guardian
We’ve heard it a million times before, cyberbullying is NOT okay and neither is body shaming – which is a form of cyberbullying.
But it seems like no matter how many times it’s been said and how many people’s lives have been affected and ruined by body shaming, the message just isn’t getting across fully.
This time, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia is stepping in to remind everyone that body shaming is definitely a punishable crime.
via GIPHY
In one of their recent bids to raise mental health awareness, MOH released a post on their social media that read:
“Body shaming is a cyberbullying crime. Those who have been affected by the crime – ie, the victim; can lodge a report of the offence to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
According to Section 233 (1)(b) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, if found guilty, the offender can be fined up to RM50,000 or be imprisoned for no more than a year, or both.”
In the poster, MOH states that “Body Shaming is the act of insulting someone’s physical appearance on any online platform that can affect the victim’s mental health.”
The act of body shaming may cause the victim to become or develop:
- Stress and emotional disturbances
- Loss of confidence
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts / Suicide
The ministry has also advised the public to always be perceptive to the sensitivities of those around them and to put a stop to body shaming.
In short, think before you post or say anything to anyone. Cyberbullying is a crime, and now body shaming can get you thrown into jail or cost you up to RM50,000.
Do you think this is a step in the right direction to curb cyberbullying? We sure do! Let us know your thoughts!
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