Malaysia – Overview On The Data Sharing Act 2025.

Introduction 

The Data Sharing Act 2025 (“DSA 2025”) came into effect on 28 April 2025, following its Royal Assent on 5 February 2025 and publication in the Gazette on 20 February 2025. 

DSA 2025 is a new legislation which introduces a formal framework to govern the sharing of data within the control of a public sector agency with other public sector agency, addressing prior limitations that hindered seamless inter-agency collaboration[1]. 

It is important to note that the scope of DSA 2025 is limited to the identified federal government agencies and statutory authorities, and does not apply to state government agencies[2]. 

Key provisions under the DSA 2025 

We highlight below some of the key provisions under the DSA 2025: 

Conclusion 

With an emphasis on transparency, security and accountability, DSA 2025 is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency within the public sector while aligning with national efforts to foster a data-driven, innovation-friendly ecosystem. Although DSA 2025 primarily applies to public sector agencies, the obligations imposed therein may also extend to third parties engaged by the public sector agencies (that receive the shared data) to perform services outlined in Section 17(1) of DSA 2025. As such, such public sector agencies must ensure that any third party engaged by them complies with the relevant provisions of DSA 2025, including by incorporating appropriate contractual obligations and oversight mechanisms to uphold data governance standards. 

For further information, please contact:

Khairul Fazli Abdul Kadir, Partner, Azmi & Associates

khairul.fazli@azmilaw.com

1. https://www.digital.gov.my/siaran/Akta-Perkongsian-Data-2025-Berkuat-Kuasa-Hari-Ini;Tingkatkan-Perkhidmatan-Kerajaan,Lindungi-Data-Peribadi 

2. Section 2 and Section 3 of DSA 2025. 

3. Section 13 of DSA 2025. 

4. Section 12(2) of DSA 2025. 

5. Section 12(3) of DSA 2025. 

6. Section 20 of DSA 2025. 

7. Section 14(1) of DSA 2025. 

8. Section 14(2) of DSA 2025. 

9. Section 14(3) of DSA 2025. 

10. Section 15 of DSA 2025. 

11. Section 19 of DSA 2025. 

12. Section 16 of DSA 2025. 

13. Section 17(1) of DSA 2025. 

14. Section 17(2) of DSA 2025. 

15. Section 17(3) of DSA 2025. 

16. Section 18(1) of DSA 2025. 

17. Section 18(2) of DSA 2025. 

18. Section 21(1)-(2) of DSA 2025.