Kota Melaka MP supports MCMC’s push for social media licenses
Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong described the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) push for major social media platforms to obtain government licences are both timely and necessary steps.
“These platforms have failed to effectively address the escalating issues of scams, online gambling, and cyberbullying.
“The alarming rise in these online threats has created an unsafe digital environment for all users, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, ” Khoo said in a statement.
He also highlighted the urgent issue of minors being present on social media platforms.
He noted that although these platforms set a minimum age of 13, a significant number of children under this age are still actively using them.
“This exposes them to significant risks including online scams, cyberattacks, and abuse.
“The potential for emotional, psychological, and privacy-related harm is immense.
“The recent tragic death of an influencer due to cyberbullying underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations,” he said, reported FMT.
Khoo said it was also not true that MCMC had the power to remove content on social media, adding that the agency could only submit a request to the relevant platforms.
He said that even when requests were made by MCMC to remove some content, there was a poor compliance rate by the companies behind these platforms.
“Simply put, these platforms do not respond to MCMC. Hence, strengthening our regulatory framework by requiring social media platforms to be licensed is a much-needed action.
At this moment, online spaces are not safe for Malaysians, he said.
“By imposing stricter regulations, we can better protect our citizens, especially children and vulnerable individuals, from the harms of the digital world, ” he said.
Yesterday, MCMC announced that starting August 1, social media and online messaging platforms in Malaysia with more than eight million users will be required to obtain a government licence.
This licence will take effect from January 1, 2025.
The new regulatory framework is designed to improve online safety for all Malaysians.