New social media, messaging regulations to combat crime, harmful information, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: New regulations for social media and Internet messaging services, set to be introduced by the government, aim to tackle the spread of crime and harmful information, thereby creating a safer online environment for all users, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister acknowledged that while some of these regulations may be unpopular, they are essential for the public good.

“The evolution of technology demands that all users, particularly in the digital realm, adhere to high standards of conduct to avoid sensitivities that could disrupt peace and security on social media platforms,” he said.

Anwar said this during his address at the Madani Feast event in Taman Koperasi Perpaduan 2, Tambun, Perak, earlier on Monday (July 29).

Before concluding his visit, he engaged with local residents and toured Masjid Ar-Rashid, which is expected to be completed and operational soon.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced on Sunday that new legislation to improve digital safety, including provisions for a ‘kill switch’, will be tabled in Parliament in October.

She noted that the law will require social media and internet messaging service providers to take responsibility for addressing online crimes, including fraud, cyberbullying, the distribution of child sexual abuse material and various forms of harassment.

Also, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Saturday said social media and messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia will need to apply for a Class Application Service Licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).

This new regulatory framework will take effect from Aug 1, with the licensing requirement enforced from Jan 1 next year.- Bernama