Malaysia: Survey on role of Data Protection Officer (DPO)

16 Dec 2022    2 minute read
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In brief

The Malaysian Personal Data Protection Department (PDPD) has just published a questionnaire on Data Protection Officer (DPO) to gather market feedback on the role and qualification of a DPO in Malaysia (Survey).1 The deadline to respond to the Survey is 21 December 2022 (Wednesday).

Contents

In more detail

While the appointment of DPO is not currently required under the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA), there have been recent proposals to introduce the same as a mandatory obligation on data users.

Under the Public Consultation Paper No. 01/2020 issued by the PDPD in February 2020, one of the proposals is to add a new provision in the PDPA to require a data user to appoint a DPO, who will be responsible to oversee data protection strategy and implementation in an organisation for compliance with the PDPA. More recently in August 2022, the then Communications and Multimedia Minister also proposed amendments to the PDPA to include a requirement to appoint a DPO.

The Survey currently seeks detailed feedback on the following:

  • The role, responsibilities and tasks of a DPO
  • The knowledge, ability and skill sets of a DPO
  • Whether the Malaysian government should issue guidelines regarding the career advancement of a DPO
  • Whether the Malaysian government should collaborate with the Board of Technologists (MBOT) to confer a professional recognition for a DPO

The Survey form can be accessed here. The last day to respond to the Survey is 21 December 2022 (Wednesday). Amendments to the PDPA to include the appointment of a DPO are likely after completion of the Survey.

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Contact Information
Kherk Ying Chew
Partner
Kuala Lumpur
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kherkying.chew@wongpartners.com
Chun Hau Ng
Legal Assistant
Kuala Lumpur
chunhau.ng@wongpartners.com

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