Stern action against extreme comments on social media, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: The government will take stern action against those who post offensive, intimidating and outrageous comments on social media and messaging platforms, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Speaking at the ministry’s monthly assembly here on Monday (July 15), he revealed that immoral and intimidating statements have been circulated on such platforms, including death threats against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“After the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump in the United States, there have been some immoral and criminally intimidating statements being circulated on WhatsApp.

“Some said that the ones who should have been shot were not just there (in the US), they hinted at a threat of violence, a criminal threat, a death threat against the prime minister. It’s okay to have different opinions, but don’t go to the extreme. That’s outrageous,” he said.

Fahmi said he would meet top editors in Malaysia’s media industry soon following extreme comments on news posted on their respective social media platforms.

“I am sharing firm and strong views because I uphold the King’s (His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia) decree.

“Even the Cabinet wants stern action to be taken to maintain public order, including on social media,” he said.

Sultan Ibrahim had earlier reminded the public not to turn social media platforms into venues for arguments and shaming others as these actions would only lead to division and conflict.

His Majesty also cautioned against extremism, particularly concerning issues related to race and religion.

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Additionally, Fahmi said the existence of fake accounts on social media platforms was concerning as it could disrupt societal harmony.

“…what is most frightening is that some Malaysians think they can behave as they please and hide behind fake accounts. This is dangerous and be detrimental to public order,” he said.

Fahmi said an investigation by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Sinar Harian and Astro Awani TikTok Live sessions found 18 accounts posting comments that violated the law.

“Of the 18 accounts, 12 were identified as fake, while six account holders have been identified along with their phone numbers and addresses.

“I have asked the MCMC to take firm and immediate action and to liaise with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Royal Malaysia Police (on) this matter.

“I think it is high time for the issue of fake accounts to be handled properly,” he said.

Fahmi also urged platform operators to take more responsibility in curbing cyberbullying, online gambling advertisements and offensive comments.

“We want the platforms to take greater responsibility, especially in incidents involving cyberbullying that lead to suicide, injury, destruction and so on.

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“These platforms cannot just wash their hands of it. This includes online gambling advertisements that are rampant on platforms like Facebook,” he said.

Fahmi also urged parents to ensure that their children below age 13 do not open their own social media accounts because some content is not suitable for them.

“It is not a problem if children watch social media content from (their parents’) accounts, but make sure it is appropriate for their age,” he added. – Bernama