KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will continue intensifying digital literacy efforts to enhance social media users’ understanding of ethics and responsibilities when sharing content online.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the move is important to ensure the public is more aware of the implications of sharing content, especially matters involving investigations by authorities or the dignity of victims and their families.
Fahmi, who is also the MADANI government spokesman, said social media users need to understand that not all content should be shared openly, especially recordings depicting tragic incidents or sensitive elements, as they have the potential to disrupt investigations and affect the sensitivities of victims and their families.
“Sometimes in the sharing of horrific videos, there are elements that may offend the victim’s family, and we need to be sensitive to that.
“On the media side, media practitioners usually understand that there are certain limits when it comes to protecting the dignity of victims, for example. But among the public, perhaps there is still a lack of awareness on this matter,” he told the media after officiating the closing ceremony of the Federal Territories’ Youth Festival @ National Youth Day 2026 today.
Fahmi also urged the public to be more responsible when uploading or sharing content on social media and to cooperate with authorities if a case is still under investigation.
“If there is an ongoing investigation, we do not want it to be disrupted. If there is an element that may bring shame to the victim’s family, especially when the family has asked for their privacy to be respected, I hope the public can cooperate,” he said.
Yesterday, the Royal Malaysia Police reminded the public to act responsibly before uploading video recordings related to criminal incidents or misconduct on social media, as such actions could affect investigations and carry legal implications.
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said that some parties are overly eager to seek attention on social media without understanding the impact on police investigations.
Meanwhile, in another development, Fahmi said the Communications Ministry has detected an increase in the use of fake social media accounts to spread content touching on religion, race, and royalty (3R), including impersonation of rulers and royal family members.
“After the content is produced and disseminated, the accounts are closed. So there are criminal elements involved, elements of throwing rocks and hiding their hands, and we will closely monitor the response from social media platforms.
“Some platforms, such as TikTok, have been issued notices by the MCMC, while others, such as Meta, have cooperated. However, we believe several of these platforms need to clearly state the measures they will take to reduce incidents involving 3R content,” he said.
Commenting on possible actions that can be taken, the minister said the existing provisions under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 remain sufficient, but emphasised that social media platforms need to strengthen efforts to curb the abuse of fake accounts and the spread of 3R content.
