Malaysia mulls over having its own social media apps

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the government is mulling over a proposal to develop a social media app specifically for Malaysians.

“Last year, it was estimated that Facebook alone earned US $ 600 million dollar (RM2.6 billion) from Malaysia, but what have they done to ensure that the condition and use of their platform in Malaysia are safe?

“They lack commitment, so we need to study and assess the situation. It is not easy to develop our own social media platform, but some countries have attempted it.

“We will look into it,” he said at the ‘Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin’ rally yesterday (Aug 4), reported The Star.

He explained that some social media providers are making profits from Malaysians but are not ensuring user safety.

Fahmi said the idea was proposed by celebrity host Datuk Aznil Nawawi to Fahmi, following Meta Platforms Inc.’s recent decision to remove posts that are related to Palestine.

On July 28, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that starting this month, social media and messaging platforms in Malaysia with more than eight million users will need to obtain a government licence.

This requirement will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Yesterday Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said that social media and messaging platforms must be incorporated in Malaysia to apply for the class licence, which will be required starting next year.