KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 – Courts will have the authority to restrict the movement or disposal of assets suspected to be linked to cybercrime proceeds under the Cyber Crime Bill 2026, even before a suspect is formally charged.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the provision, outlined under Clause 54 of the Bill, is intended to prevent suspected scam proceeds from being transferred, concealed or dissipated while investigations are ongoing.

He said the court may issue several types of orders, including cessation orders, restitution orders for victims, compliance orders and property restriction orders.

Applications for such orders may be made by the Public Prosecutor or an authorised officer, he added.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the legislation was developed to address the growing threat of online scams involving artificial intelligence (AI), including identity impersonation, deepfake technology and digital manipulation.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) in a written parliamentary reply concerning the adequacy of existing laws in tackling AI-driven online fraud.

The question also sought clarification on additional legal measures to strengthen enforcement against scam syndicates and improve protection for victims.

The new provision is expected to strengthen the authorities’ ability to prevent suspected criminal proceeds from disappearing while legal proceedings are being pursued.