Legal Insight by HHQ

Malaysia's Consumer Credit Bill 2025 - Part 2

The “Wild West” days are over. Malaysia’s consumer credit space is going legit — and fast.

In this Part 2 of our deep dive into the Consumer Credit Bill 2025, we go beyond the basics and into the practical challenges facing Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) providers and other fintech players.

In this episode of the HHQ Legal Insight Podcast, our Technology Practice Group Partners, Ong Johnson and Khai Yi Lo, join host Zach Shaw to answer the tough questions:

✅ What happens if you operate BNPL without a licence?
✅ What is the actual licensing process — and how strict is it?
✅ Can startups survive the financial and regulatory hurdles?
✅ What are the “fit and proper” tests for business owners?
✅ Can you buy a BNPL business — or transfer a licence?
✅ How should existing operators start preparing today?

💡 If you're in fintech, compliance, or credit services — this episode is your survival guide.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.

Malaysia's Consumer Credit Bill 2025 - Part 1

Fintech is growing up — and so are the regulations.

Join us on The Legal Insight Podcast today as we unpack the Consumer Credit Bill 2025 — a game-changing law that’s about to reshape Malaysia’s consumer credit landscape.

In this episode of the The Legal Insight Podcast by HHQ, join our Technology Practice Group Partners, Ong Johnson and Khai Yi Lo, alongside host Zach Shaw, as they dive into:

✅ What the Bill actually regulates — from BNPL to factoring & leasing
✅ How the Bill draws the line between legal & illegal credit businesses
✅ Why unlicensed operations could face RM5 million fines or jail time
✅ Practical distinctions between BNPL vs. factoring vs. leasing
✅ Why this law signals fintech’s shift from grey area to compliance era

💡 If you’re running or advising a fintech or credit business — this episode is your compliance wake-up call.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.

Mandatory Data Breach Notification in Malaysia

With the latest amendments to Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act 2024, organizations are now legally required to report qualifying data breaches within 72 hours of discovery—or risk non-compliance.

In this episode of the HHQ Legal Insight Podcast, join our Technology Practice Group Partners, Ong Johnson and Khai Yi Lo, alongside host Zach Shaw, as they dive into:

✅ What triggers a mandatory data breach notification under the PDPA

✅ The meaning of “significant harm” and how to assess it

✅ DPO’s role in managing incidents and reporting to the Commissioner

✅ 72-hour response timeline – what to do and how to act fast

✅ Practical actions companies must take in the first hours after a breach

✅ Notifying affected data subjects and managing reputational risk.

If you’re responsible for compliance, legal risk, or cybersecurity, this episode is a must-listen.

💬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞? Schedule a free consultation with our Technology Practice Group

Appointment of Data Protection Officer in Malaysia

In this episode of the Legal Insight Podcast, we dive into the critical requirements around appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) under Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024. Schedule a free consultation at https://hhq.com.my/DPO

Join Zach Shaw, along with Ong Johnson and Lo Khai Yi, Partners of HHQ’s Technology Practice Group, as they unpack:

• What exactly a DPO does and why the role is crucial.

• Who needs to appoint a DPO under the new thresholds.

• The pros and cons of appointing an internal vs outsourced DPO.

• Key qualifications, skills, and responsibilities every DPO should meet.

• Consequences of non-compliance with DPO appointment obligations.

Whether you’re running a growing business or managing compliance for a large organization, this episode offers practical guidance on strengthening your data governance framework before the 1 June 2025 compliance deadline.

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2 where we explore Data Breach Notification Obligations!

📌 Need help navigating Malaysia’s evolving data protection landscape? Reach out to our Technology Practice Group for a free DPO consultation.

Understanding the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 - Part 2

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 and what it means for businesses in Malaysia. Our guests, Ong Johnson, Head of the Technology Practice Group, and Lo Khai Yi, Co-Head of the Technology Practice Group at HHQ, break down:

✅ The three-stage rollout of the amendments 📅
✅ What companies need to do to stay compliant 🏢
✅ The introduction of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) – who needs one, what they do, and whether outsourcing is an option 🔍
✅ The mandatory data breach notification requirement and its impact ⚠️
✅ The right to data portability and how it gives individuals more control over their personal data 🔄

If you haven’t checked out Part 1, we highly recommend listening to that first!

💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments or tune in for our upcoming webinar, where we’ll answer the most pressing queries.

Follow Johnson & Khai Yi on LinkedIn for real-time updates on legal and regulatory changes. And don’t forget to subscribe to stay ahead of the latest legal insights! 🎧

Understanding the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024 - Part 1

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Malaysia's latest Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024, a landmark legal reform that promises to strengthen data security and privacy rights in Malaysia. But the real question is—is this a game-changer in data protection, or just a paper tiger with no real bite?

Our experts, Johnson and Khai Yi from HHQ’s Technology Practice Group, analyze the key changes, their enforceability, and whether businesses should expect real regulatory shifts or just more red tape.

With regulators promising tougher enforcement, is this the turning point for data security in Malaysia, or just another legislative update with little practical impact? 

Tune in now to uncover insights behind Malaysia’s latest data protection reforms.

Cyber Security Incident Notification Under the Cyber Security Act 2024

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical topic of Cyber Security Incident Notification. What exactly qualifies as a cyber security incident? How should organizations respond when faced with one?

Join us as we unpack the legal definitions, key triggers, and regulatory requirements under the Cyber Security Act. We’ll explore the meaning behind terms like “jeopardize” and “adversely affect,” and discuss real-world implications for businesses navigating today’s complex digital landscape.

Whether you’re a legal professional, business leader, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into managing cyber risks effectively.

🎧 Listen now and stay informed on the latest in cybersecurity law in Malaysia.

Licensing for Cybersecurity Service Providers Under Malaysia's Cyber Security Act 2024

In episode 13 of The Legal Insight Podcast, we unpack the pivotal licensing requirements introduced by the Cyber Security Act 2024 and their implications for service providers.

Joined by the experts from HHQ's Technology Practice Group—Ong Johnson, Lo Khai Yi, and Nicole—we cover:

🔒 Who Needs a License? Key criteria for Managed Security Operation Centre Monitoring Services and Penetration Testing Services.
📜 Application Process & Timeline: Deadlines, grace periods, and documentation tips.
⚖️ Compliance & Penalties: Avoid fines up to RM500,000 and 10-year imprisonment.
🌐 Impact on Foreign Providers: Operating in Malaysia under the new framework.

Don’t miss out on this essential guide for navigating the legal landscape of cybersecurity services. Whether you're a provider, a business leader, or part of a corporate group, this episode has actionable insights for you.