KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has expressed deep concern over how a TikTok account operated by a bus driver, which featured images of schoolchildren, was allowed to remain active for an extended period.
The account, which has since gone viral, has raised alarms due to inappropriate content and unsettling viewer comments, sparking fears of potential criminal exploitation.
“The content that was posted has generated comments that, upon close inspection, are quite worrying. There is a troubling trend among those who follow and view such content.
“When we look at this account, it raises concerns as to how TikTok could allow such an account to operate for so long.
“We also don’t know how many similar accounts exist on TikTok.
“This is where I believe social media platforms need to cooperate more with authorities, and I think the public is on our side in ensuring that children under 13 are not permitted to open social media accounts,” he said at a press conference following the 25th Anniversary of the Asia News Network (ANN) celebration today.
Fahmi was commenting on a bus driver who has been remanded for five days for investigation after uploading videos to his TikTok account, which featured images of schoolchildren in his care.
The 24-year-old driver was arrested in Simpang Renggam, Kluang, early this morning.
Yesterday, Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri ordered an immediate investigation after the video went viral on social media.
Nancy described the incident as unacceptable and something that should not be normalised.
The TikTok account owner, who goes by the name ‘Abang Bas’, has over 600,000 followers, with some posts garnering more than 22 million views.
Fahmi added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would collaborate with the police’s Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) to identify other offenders associated with the bus driver’s viral video, which featured recordings of female students on his bus.
“I have also been in contact with TikTok, and they are cooperating well with the police,” he said.
Fahmi also said that he would speak to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to remind teachers not to display or share videos or images of children.
“Please remind those who create content, including teachers, not to display, showcase, tag, or share children’s faces, as this violates the Child Act,” he said. – September 6, 2024