Get tough on invasion of privacy, says Karpal

The courts should impose deterrent sentences on those found guilty of invading the privacy of women, said DAP chairman Karpal Singh.

“In this modern age of sophisticated technology, there is more than an urgent need for deterrent laws against invasion of privacy, particularly in view of what has been revealed over the emergence of intimate photos of Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong,” he said in a statement.

“The Attorney-General’s Chambers should immediately take action to provide for not only a heavy fine but also a deterrent custodial sentence for infringement of privacy,” he said.

He said the punishment imposed for infringement of privacy under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 – a fine not exceeding RM100 – was an insult to intelligence.

“That punishment has seen no increase nearly 54 years after the Ordinance was enacted,” he added.