KUALA LUMPUR — The government has no intention to block access to internet messaging services and social media platforms that fail to register for licensing after Jan 1 next year, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the licensing requirement under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 aims to ensure service providers are accountable and play a key role in creating a safer online ecosystem for platform users.
Fahmi told the Dewan Rakyat that users would still be able to access and use the platforms after the regulation comes into force.
“Blocking access is a last resort, we do not want to go in that direction. What we want is not just fast internet but a safe internet platform for children and families,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Wan Saifulruddin Wan Jan (Tasek Gelugor-PN) during the question-and-answer session today.
Wan Saifulruddin had asked whether the government would block access to social media platforms that fail to register for licensing after the regulation is enforced.
Fahmi said blocking access would only be considered after other actions are taken in line with the Act.
He said previously that only platforms with over eight million users in Malaysia need to register.
MCMC in July announced the registration requirement for a Class License.
The requirement will come into force on Jan 1, 2025, following a new regulatory framework for social media and internet messaging services that took effect on Aug 1.
Wan Saiful today also asked in his supplementary question about potential overlap between the Communications and Multimedia Act with the Online Safety Bill that is currently being drafted.
Fahmi said the draft legislation is being developed by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) while extensive engagement is ongoing between his ministry, MCMC and BHEUU to avoid overlaps and ensure that the two laws complement each other. – November 7, 2024