Defamation Law in Malaysia

Protecting Your Reputation. Defending Your Good Name

Words matter. A single false statement can cause serious harm to your personal or professional reputation. When your name is under attack, the law provides clear remedies — and we are here to help you enforce them.

⚖️ What is Defamation?

Defamation occurs when a false statement is made or published that damages a person’s reputation. Under Malaysian law, defamation generally falls into two categories:

Libel

• Defamatory statements made in permanent or recorded form, including:

• Social media posts

• Online articles, blogs, and news reports

• WhatsApp messages, emails, or recordings

Slander

• Defamatory statements that are spoken or otherwise transient in nature, such as:

• Verbal accusations

• False rumours

• Gestures or spoken allegations

To establish a defamation claim in Malaysia, the claimant must generally prove that the statement:

1. Has harmed or is likely to harm their reputation

2. Refers to the claimant, either directly or by implication

3. Was published or communicated to a third party — even if to only one person

Important: Reposting, sharing, or repeating defamatory content may also expose a person to legal liability under Malaysian law.

Damages and Remedies You May Claim

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the court may award one or more of the following remedies:-

General Damages

Compensation for injury to reputation, dignity, and emotional distress.

Aggravated Damages

Awarded where the defendant acted with malice, bad faith, or refused to apologise or retract the defamatory statement.

Exemplary (Punitive) Damages

Imposed to punish particularly serious or repeated acts of defamation and to deter similar conduct.

Injunctions

Court orders requiring defamatory content to be removed, restrained, or blocked — particularly relevant in online and social media cases.

At Gandhi Syahida & Associates, we provide focused and strategic legal representation in defamation matters across Malaysia. We understand that reputational damage can have long-lasting personal and commercial consequences, and we approach every case with discretion and precision.

Whether you are facing online attacks, false allegations, or damaging rumours, our team will guide you through every stage of the process — from early intervention and takedown demands to litigation where necessary. Our objective is clear: to protect your reputation and minimise harm swiftly and effectively.

Speak to a Lawyer Today

If your reputation is at risk, early legal action is critical.

Contact us today for confidential legal advice and to explore your available remedies.