KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) received 8,399 reports and complaints about cyberbullying, or 27 cases daily, from January to November 1, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the figure was a significant increase from last year’s 10 cases per day, highlighting the importance of enforcing social media licensing to create a safer online ecosystem for users of their platforms.
“On Facebook last year, the number of online fraud cases reported to the Commercial Crime Investigation Department amounted to RM432 million in losses to the Malaysian public.
“For sexual crimes, especially those involving children on social media, the number of cases in 2023 was 525, while as of November 1, 2024, 815 (content takedown) applications were made regarding child sexual abuse material content on social media,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was replying to a question from Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) as to whether the enforcement of the social media licensing framework would affect the freedom to access to modern life, which relies heavily on digital technology.
The licensing requirement for internet messaging services and social media providers was gazetted on August 1 and will come into effect on January 1 next year, and they will need to apply for an Applications Service Provider Class licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Fahmi said that under the act, there are strong protective measures to balance the need for regulation with the protection of freedom of speech and information.
He said the licensing framework aims to tackle online crimes without hindering innovation and development, to ensure users can enjoy a safer digital experience.
Replying to another question from Abdul Latif Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) on whether licensing measures will affect small traders, Fahmi said they would not, as only service providers are required to obtain the MCMC licence.
He said the government does not intend to shut down any social media platform that fails to obtain the licence by 2025.
However, he said, platforms that fail to obtain the licence could face legal action, including fines of up to RM250,000, or be referred to court, with penalties of up to RM500,000 or a five-year imprisonment.
Fahmi added that platforms that are found guilty in court could be fined RM1,000 per day for operating without a licence.
— Bernama
