Penal Code (Malaysia)

Malaysia's Penal Code is the primary law codifying most criminal offenses and procedures in the country, covering major crimes such as murder, theft, robbery, rape, forgery, rioting, terrorism and treason. It originated in the Federated Malay States in 1936 and shares its basic structure with the Indian Penal Code, and it was formally revised and re-enacted as Act 574, taking effect nationwide on March 31, 1976, since amended many times, most recently in 2023. As reissued, the Code runs to 23 chapters and 511 sections including 37 amendments, opening with definitions and general exceptions that apply throughout before setting out offenses organized by theme, from crimes against the state and public order through property crimes, defamation and attempts.