KUCHING: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that social media platform providers have been given a one-month deadline to respond to the code of conduct. After that, they will be required to register with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for licensing purposes. He added that once finalised by the end of the year, the code of conduct will be published, and all platforms with more than eight million users in Malaysia must register.
“There will be no negotiation on this matter. If they meet the criteria, registration is mandatory. Failure to do so within the given timeframe will result in serious consequences, including potential fines,” Fahmi stated during the launch of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) at Taman Sukma.
He noted that most social media platform providers have cooperated in providing feedback but mentioned that a few consider themselves above national laws. “Some platforms think they are bigger than a sovereign state, but they must remember they profit in Malaysia and are obligated to follow our laws,” he said.
The minister explained that the code of conduct outlines guidelines that platforms must follow, such as responding to user complaints. Non-compliance will result in enforcement actions.
Additionally, Fahmi emphasized that social media platforms must respect the Malaysian government’s stance by not blocking pro-Palestinian content. He noted instances of bias, saying, “When it comes to Palestine, content is often suppressed. Even the Prime Minister’s Instagram post expressing condolences over a Hamas leader’s death was removed.
“As a sovereign nation with diplomatic ties to various countries, including Palestine, the government’s position and the Prime Minister’s stance must be respected by these platforms,” Fahmi added.
