The development of digital society concept in Malaysia: An analysis of challenges and implications

• Main Authors: Che Noh, Che Hasniza, Ismail, Isma Rosila, Mustaffa, Che Su, Ibrahim, Mohd Yusri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Serials Publications 2017
• Subjects: HD28 Management. Industrial Management
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/27909/1/MII%209%207%202017%2011%2021.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/27909/; https://serialsjournals.com/index.php?route=product/product/volumearticle&issue_id=417&product_id=366

The development of information and communications technology created the phenomenon where people connected to the various positive and negative implications. Statistics show that the issue of Internet abuse is a serious issue either globally or locally, precisely in Malaysia and would have implications for the formation of this connected society. Since more and more Malaysians becoming ‘netizens’, particularly those involving children and adolescents, the higher the need to educate them to be cautious, sensitive and concerned when sharing information through online. Children and adolescents are the two groups most vulnerable to the threats and risks associated with the Internet as cyber-crime can happen at any time, regardless of where they are, including at their own home. Parents as a ‘first institutions’ for children to receive initial training on how to be ‘netizens’ who is responsible for himself and digital community. Accordingly, this paper discusses the analysis of policy documents and related digital communities within and outside the country aims to identify concepts, issues and challenges of digital society. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that Malaysia also faced with the issue of abuse of the Internet is increasingly alarming. In addition, there are also related acts adopted in the event of misconduct and crimes related to the use of social media. The analysis also identified three key elements to be taken into account in establishing guidelines for the creation of digital communities. This study implies that the formation of the digital society is a new challenge that needs to be handled carefully by various parties, including the public and policy makers. These findings may explain the reality of the current digital world in Malaysia and provide input to the policy formation to educate the public to be able to behave appropriately in line with technological developments, especially parents in educating their children.