5-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian government is contemplating the development of a social media application tailored specifically for its citizens, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. This consideration stems from concerns over the profit-driven motives of certain social media application providers operating in the country, coupled with their perceived failure to ensure user safety adequately.
“Last year, it was estimated that Facebook alone earned US$600 million from Malaysia, but what have they done to ensure that the condition and use of their platform in Malaysia are safe? They lack commitment, so we need to study and assess the situation. It is not easy to develop our own social media platform, but some countries have attempted it. We will look into it,” Fahmi Fadzil told reporters on Sunday (Aug 4) night.
The minister revealed that he had met with celebrity host Aznil Nawawi, who proposed the idea of a Malaysian-centric social media platform following Meta’s recent removal of social media posts related to Palestine. During the meeting, Fahmi shared his views on responsible social media usage, which he urged Aznil to convey to his followers.
“I reminded him that children under 13 should not use social media, and he agreed to convey this message to his fans,” Fahmi said.
Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that he will meet with Meta representatives on Aug 5 in Putrajaya to discuss the removal of Palestine-related content from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s social media accounts. Fahmi assured that the ministry will ensure Meta does not remove any content related to a pro-Palestinian rally scheduled for Sunday night.
“They have agreed to do so. I have provided a list of not only the Prime Minister’s Facebook account but also the official accounts of several media outlets. We will see whether they will follow through, but I believe they will keep their promise,” he said, adding that the ministry will insist that Meta fulfills its pledge.
Last week, Malaysia introduced a new regulatory framework for all social media and internet messaging platforms with at least eight million registered users in the country. Platforms such as Meta’s Facebook, ByteDance’s TikTok, and Elon Musk’s X platform, among others, will be required to comply with this framework.
Enforcement under the new class license will begin on Jan 1 next year. According to details released by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the license is valid for one year, and firms must apply for it annually. Firms that fail to register for the license by Jan 1 may face fines of not more than RM500,000 or five years of imprisonment, or both, if they continue to operate in the country, local media reported.
The new class licensing regime will bolster Malaysia’s legislative capacity to ensure the internet is a safer environment for children and families.
