The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), in partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, government agencies, higher education institutions, and industry stakeholders, is actively working on the development of a code of ethics and governance for artificial intelligence (AI) in Malaysia.
This code is expected to serve as the foundation for AI regulation in the country and is slated for completion by the next year, according to Bernama.
Minister Chang Lih Kang, mentioned that alongside this effort, MOSTI is also evaluating the necessity of creating a legal framework and an AI Act.
During a recent Dewan Rakyat session, concerns were raised regarding the monitoring of AI technology, acknowledging its complexity, and emphasising that this process involves various elements like technical, legal, ethical, policy, and standards considerations.
The National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025 incorporates the Seven Principles of Responsible AI, offering guidelines for the development of trustworthy and responsible AI to safeguard individual rights and privacy.
Additionally, the Malaysian Standards Department (JSM) has formed a National Mirror Committee to develop national AI standards, with this committee, chaired by MIMOS, encompassing representatives from the ministry, agencies, academia, and industry stakeholders.
Chang stressed that standards and legislation work hand-in-hand, and relying solely on legal measures for AI regulation and oversight would hinder the innovation of this technology.
