KUCHING — Social media platforms have one month to respond to Malaysia’s new code of conduct before being required to register with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for licensing, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced.
Fahmi explained that the code, expected to be finalised and published by year-end, mandates registration for social media platforms with over eight million users in Malaysia.
“There will be no negotiations. Platforms that meet the criteria must register, or they will face serious penalties, including potential fines,” he said at the launch of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Taman Sukma today.
Most platforms have cooperated in giving feedback, but Fahmi noted that a few “act as if they are beyond national laws.”
He added that these companies must comply with Malaysia’s regulations as they generate revenue within the country.
The code of conduct will enforce timely responses to user complaints, with sanctions for non-compliance.
Fahmi also emphasised that social media platforms must respect Malaysia’s stance by not censoring pro-Palestinian content, citing recent incidents where posts expressing condolences over Palestinian losses were removed. — November 10, 2024