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AI Governance & Policy

What is AI governance?

  • AI governance refers to the laws, policies, standards, practices, and processes that guide the development and use of AI to ensure it is trustworthy, safe, secure, ethical, and aligned with societal values. It applies across the entire AI lifecycle, which is generally described as including: 
    (i) design and development, 
    (ii) data collection and model building, 
    (iii) verification and validation, 
    (iv) deployment, 
    (v) operation and monitoring, and;
    (vi) decommissioning and retirement.
  • This helps organisations identify and manage risks while ensuring appropriate oversight, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the lifecycle. 

What are Malaysia's current AI policies and initiatives?

Malaysia's AI governance framework is currently guided by a range of national policies, strategies, and voluntary guidance that support the responsible development and adoption of AI. These include:

  • National AI Roadmap (AI-Rmap 2021–2025) – Malaysia's first national AI strategy.
  • National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics (AIGE) – Guidance for the responsible and ethical development and use of AI.
  • Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK 13), which identify AI as a key driver of Malaysia's digital economy and future growth.
  • National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 (AI Nation 2030) (under development) – A whole-of-nation strategy to accelerate AI adoption, strengthen governance, develop talent, and position Malaysia as an AI Nation by 2030.
     

What is the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 (AI Nation 2030)?

The National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 (AI Nation 2030) is Malaysia's upcoming national strategy to accelerate AI adoption across the economy. It will provide a coordinated strategy covering AI innovation, talent, infrastructure, governance, and industry adoption to support Malaysia's aspiration of becoming an AI Nation by 2030.

What AI principles guide responsible AI development and use?

Responsible AI is underpinned by a set of principles that provide a foundation for AI governance. These principles help organisations develop, deploy, and use AI in a manner that is trustworthy, human-centric, and aligned with societal values.

In Malaysia, the National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics (AIGE) set out seven AI principles to guide the responsible development and use of AI:

  • Fairness
  • Reliability, Safety and Control
  • Privacy and Security
  • Inclusiveness
  • Transparency
  • Accountability
  • Pursuit of Human Benefit and Happiness

At the regional level, Malaysia also supports the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, which provides common principles and practical guidance to promote responsible AI adoption across ASEAN while facilitating interoperability and regional cooperation.

Together, these principles form the foundational layer of AI governance, informing the development of policies, organisational governance frameworks, standards, and AI risk management practices.

Is there current legislation governing AI in Malaysia?

Malaysia does not currently have a dedicated AI law yet. However, Malaysia is exploring a proposed AI Governance Bill to establish a common legal framework for the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI. 

Relevant legislation may include:

  • Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA) [Act 709]
  • Cyber Security Act 2024 [Act 854]
  • Copyright Act 1987 [Act 332]
  • Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588]
  • Online Safety Act 2025 [Act 866]

    The proposed Bill is intended to complement existing laws while providing greater regulatory clarity and supporting trustworthy AI innovation. 
     

What are AI standards, and why are they important?

AI standards provide internationally recognised technical requirements, best practices, and guidance for the development, deployment, and management of AI systems. They support organisations in improving the quality, safety, interoperability, transparency, and trustworthiness of AI systems, while promoting consistent, responsible, and effective AI implementation.

AI standards also play an important role in informing AI policy design. They provide internationally recognised technical benchmarks that can support the development of practical, interoperable, and risk-informed AI governance frameworks while enabling innovation and facilitating international alignment.

In Malaysia, references to AI standards are available through MY-AI Standards, the national platform for AI standards. The platform provides access to relevant AI standards and supporting resources to assist organisations in adopting recognised best practices.