KUCHING, Aug 8 — Malaysia’s efforts to licence social media platforms have attracted the attention of several countries that have expressed interest in emulating the move, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said United Kingdom communications regulatory body Ofcom was among those that contacted the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to find out more about the implementation of the initiative.
“Singapore has also asked about the licensing process, (but) it is important to remember other countries have other ways (of enforcement) according to their laws.
“I believe that when we chair Asean in 2025, more (countries) will want to know the achievements and what we have managed to do based on the licensing process that will come into effect on January 1, 2025,” he said.
Fahmi said this to reporters after officiating the ministry’s Sarawak-zone 2023 Excellent Service Award here today.
Earlier in his opening speech, the minister said Malaysia’s move on licence bids have “opened the eyes” of other countries not to allow social media platforms to continue to make a profit and violate the country’s laws.
“This is the first time a western regulatory body (Ofcom) has contacted us and asked how to licence, as it has been struggling to solve this issue for so long.
“We might be the first mover on this issue because on average many governments around the world feel that these big technology companies can no longer do as they please to accumulate wealth and not follow rules and laws... Those days will soon be over,” he said.
Previously, Fahmi reportedly said any platform that is not licensed after January 1 will be subject to action under Section 126 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
According to the Unity Government spokesman, if found guilty, service providers can be fined not more than RM500,000, given five years in prison, or both, in addition to a fine of RM1,000 per day or part of the day as long as the offence continues.
— Bernama
