Apply licences, social media & online messaging platforms told

All social media platforms and online messaging platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia must be apply for license from August 1.

This is part of the new regulatory framework to ensure a safer online ecosystem, said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement.

The license requirement will be enforced effective from Jan 1 2025.

“Failure to obtain a licence after the effective date would be an offence, and appropriate legal action can be taken under the Communications and Multimedia Act,” it said.

The regulatory framework would require the social media and online messaging platforms to comply with Malaysian laws and combat cybercrime, scams and online fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children.

Previously, these services were exempted from licensing requirements based on the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemption) Order 2000.

“This new regulatory framework only applies to services that meet the licensing eligibility criteria and does not involve its users.”