QuickCheck: Is the government sending out links to claim Rahmah cash aid via WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a great communication tool but it can just as easily be misused. Recently, messages have been spread on the app telling eligible Malaysians that they can claim Rahmah cash aid (STR) if they click on a link provided. Is the government behind such messages? VERDICT: FALSE Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the messages containing such links could...

MCMC to assist probe into viral video involving PKR division candidates, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will assist the Royal Malaysia Police in investigating a viral social media video involving candidates in the PKR division elections in Perak and Perlis. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic) said the investigation relates to allegations of threats and the circulation of offensive content on Facebook. "So far,...

People-centric narratives key to stronger Asean-China ties, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: The strategic partnership between Asean and China in the media sector must go beyond infrastructure and trade by highlighting more people-centric narratives in their respective reporting, said Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The Communications Minister said that while governments and institutions focus on diplomacy, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and fostering...

Sapura Energy: Not a ‘bailout’, but a RM1.1bil strategic investment, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia Development Holding Sdn Bhd's (MDH) RM1.1bil investment into Sapura Energy Bhd is not a government bailout but a strategic investment towards sustainability, according to government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The MDH is a special purpose vehicle of the Finance Ministry. This statement follows Sapura Energy's announcement that MDH would subscribe to its redeemable convertible loan...

No further action against Era FM DJs by MCMC, says Fahmi Fadzil

KUALA LUMPUR: No further action will be taken against the three radio presenters recently involved in a controversy, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi stated that the RM250,000 fine imposed on Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, the operator of Era FM, is sufficient. He explained that the compound was also deemed appropriate by the deputy public prosecutor...

Fahmi criticises Opposition MPs’ refusal to vote on Constitution amendment

KUALA LUMPUR: Fahmi Fadzil has criticised opposition lawmakers for refusing to vote on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 at Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 4). The Communications Minister said the 57 MPs who abstained from voting on the Bill had showcased the Opposition’s apparent disinterest in separating the Parliament from political influence. “Their decision to not vote...

Meta’s end to fact-checking will be felt, but not so much in Malaysia, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: Meta’s move to remove independent fact-checking on its platforms will have repercussions, but it will not be affecting Malaysia’s social media community anytime soon, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. "At the moment, I don’t see it affecting the Malaysian market, only the United States,” he said, referring to Meta’s initial implementation of the move over...

Telegram receives licence to operate in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Telegram has been granted the Application Service Provider Class Licence (ASP (C)) to operate in Malaysia, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He stated that Telegram obtained the licence from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Jan 2, making it the third licensed service provider under the licensing requirements for internet messaging and...

Extra measures on social platforms that violate Jan 1 age restriction

IPOH: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will take additional measures on social media platforms that fail to comply with the age restriction ban from Jan 1, 2025. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that currently, all platforms have set the age limit to 13 years old and below. "We want to monitor how effectively they enforce...

Nearly half of telco towers under Jendela Phase 1 operational

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly half of the telecommunications towers planned under Phase 1 of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) are fully operational, the Dewan Rakyat was informed. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that 808 out of 1,661 towers have been operational since Oct 31 this year, with 1,385 towers completed, while the remainder are still under...