Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Defamation is a civil wrong that occurs when someone makes a false statement about you that damages your reputation. These statements can be spoken (slander) or written (libel). Under Malaysian law, defamation cases are taken seriously, and those affected are entitled to seek legal recourse.

Libel: Written or published defamation (news articles, social media, blogs, WhatsApp messages and etc).

Slander: Spoken defamation (verbal statements).

Yes. Defamatory content published on social media, websites, forums, WhatsApp, Telegram, and emails is treated as libel.

Yes. Companies can sue if false statements damage their business reputation, credibility, or goodwill.

• False allegations of fraud or criminal conduct

• Accusations of professional incompetence

• Fake reviews with malicious intent

• False claims made by competitors or ex-employees

Pure opinions are generally not defamatory. However, opinions presented as facts or based on false assumptions may still be defamatory.

Yes. Courts may allow actions against unknown persons and compel platforms to disclose identities.

Yes. Republishers, sharers, or administrators may also be liable in certain circumstances.

Key laws include:

• Defamation Act 1957

• Common law principles

• Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (for online content)

Yes. Criminal defamation exists, but civil defamation is more commonly pursued for damages and injunctions.

• Monetary damages

• Court injunctions

• Apologies and retractions

• Removal of defamatory content

Immediately. Early action improves:

• Content removal success

• Evidence preservation

• Damage mitigation

Yes. Through legal notices, platform takedown requests, and reputation intervention strategies.

Allix combines legal enforcement and digital reputation management to suppress spread, remove content, and rebuild credibility.

Yes, if they are false, malicious, and damaging to reputation.

Yes. Especially where statements breach confidentiality, fiduciary duties, or employment obligations.

Yes. Truth is a valid defence, but the burden of proof lies with the publisher.

Platforms may not be primary publishers, but they can be compelled to remove content or disclose information.

Damages may include:

• General damages (reputation harm)

• Aggravated damages

• Exemplary damages (in serious cases)

It varies. Some matters resolve within weeks via takedown; litigation may take months to years.

Yes. Defamatory allegations can trigger regulatory scrutiny and compliance risks.

• Corporations & SMEs

• Professionals (lawyers, doctors, consultants)

• Financial services

• Property & construction

• Public figures and executives

• Legal risk assessment

• Evidence preservation

• Content removal strategies

• Litigation support

• Reputation recovery campaigns

Some businesses hold media or professional indemnity insurance, but coverage is limited and case-specific.

Yes. Screenshots, metadata, and witness statements can be admissible.

Yes. Allix has resolved cases through negotiated settlements, apologies, and content removal.

• Respond emotionally online

• Threaten publicly

• Destroy evidence

• Ignore the issue

Yes. Negative content can dominate search results without intervention.

Legal action removes content; reputation management restores trust, authority, and digital visibility.

Immediately upon discovering:

• False allegations

• Viral negative content

• Coordinated attacks

• Reputation threats involving legal risk