KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil will meet social media platform representatives in Malaysia this month to address cyberbullying.
He said the meeting is needed as his ministry is unhappy with the commitment level from these platform providers in handling cyberbullying complaints.
The management of cyberbullying on platforms such as TikTok, for instance, has been very disappointing and seems to be taken lightly, Fahmi said.
“The meeting will also involve the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Attorney-General’s Chambers, and other stakeholders to review this matter based on complaints received.
“We want comprehensive change, and we want platform providers to be more responsible and take action according to the laws of this country. They have gained significant profits from advertising revenue, so if there are any complaints, they are obliged to take appropriate action,” he said.
Fahmi told reporters this after visiting the Malaysian Film Directors Association (FDAM) Convention and inspecting film production facilities at the Merdeka Finas Studio Complex in Ampang today.
Also present were FDAM chairman Datuk Afdlin Shauki and Malaysian Artistes Association president Rozaidi Jamil, better known as Zed Zaidi.
Meanwhile, on a viral case involving a TikTok influencer allegedly committing suicide due to cyberbullying, Fahmi said the matter has been handed over to the police for investigation.
“I can confirm the influencer had filed a complaint with the MCMC, but I want to emphasise it was related to another issue and had nothing to do with the cyberbullying case purported to have led to her death.
“However, it is issues like these (cyberbullying) that underscore why the ministry and the government are determined to scrutinise and monitor social media content and platform management,” he said.
Fahmi said the government remains committed to enhancing online safety, especially for children and families, covering issues such as fraud, sexual offences, online gambling and cyberbullying.
— Bernama
