KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — Telegram and WhatsApp operators must be more responsible in ensuring no criminal misconduct is committed on their platforms, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said based on reports from the Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Children Crime Investigation Division, WhatsApp was found to be widely misused for the purpose of sexual grooming.
“As for Telegram, we have also received many complaints, including from former and current ministers, about threatening messages and scammers.
“The problem with Telegram is it allegedly involves the misuse of accounts for pornography and the sale of prohibited substances such as drugs,” he told a press conference after launching the U Mobile Digital School Programme here today.
Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and U Mobile chief executive officer Wong Heang Tuck.
Fahmi said issues involving the two platforms are under scrutiny by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and action will be taken to ensure the apps and the entire social media world are safe for the community.
“We want them to be more responsible and more proactive in dealing with any problem highlighted by the authorities and taking action, particularly on accounts and channels that violate Malaysian laws.
“If they refuse to make sure their platform is free from criminal elements, we will make sure they comply with the laws in our country,” he said.
Fahmi also called on teachers and parents to play a role in ensuring Gen Z and Gen Alpha are ready to face the challenges of the digital world.
He said even though the two generations, which refers to those born between 1997 and 2026, are considered digital natives, they must be exposed to the challenges of technology in all aspects including health, business and communications.
“There needs to be a change among teachers and students themselves because while they are ready to challenge themselves and to try new technology, they must also understand the limits that exist in terms of law and ethics,” he added.
— Bernama
