Exploring the feasibility of restorative justice as an alternative response to cybercrime victimization in Malaysia

Purpose The increasing prevalence of cybercrime has created complex forms of victimization involving financial loss, emotional distress and psychological harm. While the conventional criminal justice system primarily emphasizes investigation, prosecution and punishment, it may not fully address victims’ needs for acknowledgement, accountability and restoration. Hence, this study aims to explore the feasibility of implementing Restorative Justice (RJ) as an alternative response to cybercrime victimization in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted an exploratory qualitative research design to examine the perspectives of criminal justice stakeholders regarding the potential implementation of RJ in cybercrime cases. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants comprising deputy public prosecutors, judges and police officers from Johor, Sarawak and Selangor. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach to identify key themes related to the feasibility for RJ implementation. Findings The findings indicate that RJ is perceived as a potentially feasible approach within Malaysia’s criminal justice system, particularly as a complementary mechanism rather than a replacement for conventional prosecution. Participants highlighted that RJ may be suitable for selected cybercrime cases involving minor offences, first-time offenders, identifiable victims and situations where harm can be repaired through accountability and restitution. However, successful implementation requires clear legal provisions, institutional support, procedural guidelines and professional readiness among criminal justice stakeholders. Research limitations/implications This study is limited with the involvement of criminal justice stakeholders alone, excluding perspectives from cybercrime victims, offenders and RJ facilitators. Additionally, as RJ has not been implemented in Malaysia, participants’ views were largely based on conceptual understanding rather than direct practical experience. Future research should incorporate victims’ and offenders’ perspectives and evaluate RJ through pilot studies. Practical implications This study provides insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, judicial institutions and criminal justice practitioners regarding the potential integration of RJ into Malaysia’s cybercrime response framework. The findings suggest that a structured and legally guided RJ model could enhance victim participation, promote offender accountability and complement existing punitive approaches. Originality/value This study contributes to the limited body of research examining RJ within the context of cybercrime victimization, particularly in Malaysia. By exploring the perspectives of criminal justice stakeholders, the study provides an initial foundation for understanding the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting RJ as a victim-centred approach in addressing digital forms of harm.