Navigating Malaysia’s
Data Privacy Laws

Stronger Data Protection for a Digital Nation

Many businesses are still unaware. As of 1st June 2025, the updated PDPA requires organisations to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO).

This applies if your business:

• Handles the personal data of more than 20,000 individuals,
• Collects sensitive data from over 10,000 individuals, or
• Engages in regular, systematic monitoring of people.

In short, if your organisation deals with large volumes of customer or employee data, a DPO is no longer optional, it is mandatory.

But what does this mean in practice? And how can professionals prepare to take on this responsibility?

Why the DPO Role Is So Critical

Think of the DPO as the guardian of trust. Their job is not only to keep organisations compliant with the law, but also to reassure customers, employees, and regulators that personal data is safe.

Under the DPO Guideline issued on 25 February 2025, the officer must:

• Understand both English and Bahasa Melayu,
• Reside in Malaysia (or be easily contactable here),
• Have a strong grasp of data protection laws, IT security, and internal company processes,
• Act as a bridge between the organisation, regulators, and the public.

The DPO also plays a hands-on role: they handle data breaches, ensure data subjects’ rights are respected, and conduct compliance assessments. Importantly, the role comes with independence. The DPO should have direct access to senior management and enough resources to do the job properly.

This is not a symbolic position. It is central to how organisations protect data in a world where breaches and misuse can cause serious financial and reputational harm.

Preparing for the Role:
HRD Academy’s DPO Programme

To meet this demand, professionals need practical training that goes beyond theory. This is where the Data Protection Officer Programme by HRD Academy makes a difference.

Delivered in partnership with UNIMY and Coursera, the programme is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to operate as effective DPOs.

Here’s what it offers:

• A two-day, face-to-face course at the BAC Flagship Campus,
• A full breakdown of the seven PDPA principles and how they apply in real organisations,
• Insights into how Malaysia’s laws compare with global standards like the GDPR,
• Case studies and role plays that simulate real-world scenarios such as breach responses or handling access requests,
• Tools like data mapping templates, checklists, and compliance frameworks that participants can immediately apply at work.

The programme costs RM3,500—a worthwhile investment considering the weight of responsibility DPOs carry. By the end of the course, participants walk away not only with knowledge but also with confidence in applying it.

Turning Regulation into Opportunity

Rather than viewing the DPO requirement as just another layer of bureaucracy, organisations can treat it as a competitive advantage.

• Trust as currency: Businesses that demonstrate strong data protection win customer loyalty.
• Preparedness: Companies with trained DPOs are better equipped to handle data breaches and avoid heavy penalties.
• Global readiness: As more countries tighten privacy laws, having an in-house expert aligns Malaysian businesses with international standards.

This is why HRDAcademy’s programme is so valuable. It prepares individuals to lead on data ethics, security, and governance in their organisations.

Malaysia’s new PDPA requirements mark a turning point for how data is managed. A Data Protection Officer is a legal and strategic necessity.

For professionals in HR, IT, legal, or compliance roles, stepping up as a DPO offers both career growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact. And with HRD Academy's Data Protection Officer Programme, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in this vital role.