KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — Operators of Telegram and WhatsApp need to be more responsible in ensuring that no criminal misconduct is committed on the platforms, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Based on reports from the Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Children Crime Investigation Division, WhatsApp is found to be widely misused for sexual grooming.
“As for Telegram, we have also received many complaints, including from former and current ministers, about threatening messages and scammers.
“The problem with Telegram is that it also allegedly involves the misuse of accounts for pornography and the sale of prohibited substances such as drugs,” he said during a press conference after launching the U Mobile Digital School Programme today.
Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and U Mobile chief executive officer Wong Heang Tuck.
Fahmi said the issues involving the two platforms are already under scrutiny by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure that the apps and the entire social media are safe for the community to use.
“We want them to be more responsible and more proactive in dealing with any problem highlighted by the authorities and taking action, particularly on the account and channel that violates Malaysian laws.
“If they refuse to make sure their platform is free from criminal elements, we will make sure they comply with the laws in our country,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, the minister also called on teachers and parents to play a role in ensuring that Generation Z and Generation Alpha are ready to face the challenges of the digital world.
Although the two generations, which refer to those born between 1997 and 2010 and 2011 and 2026, are considered digital natives, they still need to be exposed to the challenges of technology in all aspects of life, including health, business, and communications.
“There needs to be a change among teachers and students themselves because while they are ready to challenge themselves and to try new technology, they must also understand the limits that exist in terms of law and ethics and to always be careful (in using the technology),” Fahmi said.
— Bernama
