KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has refuted claims it did not engage stakeholders and industry players when developing the government’s licensing initiative for social media platforms and online messaging systems.
The commission said that after cabinet approval for the proposed regulatory framework on the licensing requirement was obtained on March 8, efforts have been ongoing to ensure dialogues are held with relevant quarters.
“MCMC has consistently engaged with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including service providers, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and law enforcement agencies,” it said in a statement today.
The internet regulator’s statement follows claims by the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) which said industry players are uncertain about the scope of obligations set to be imposed on social media platforms, due to a lack of formal public consultations.
The coalition, which also urged the government to halt its licensing plans through new regulations set to come into effect next year, had voiced its qualms in an August 23 open letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
MCMC today reiterated it will be undertaking a public inquiry exercise to solicit feedback from all “relevant parties” to ensure that the final framework is “fair, effective and reflective” of the public and industry needs.
“These ongoing engagements have been vital in developing a regulatory framework that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties.”
Earlier today, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government would proceed with its licensing plan as previous engagements with social media platform representatives were positive.
He said the government has considered “all aspects” of the licensing initiative and remains open to discussing the move with stakeholders and industry players as it has “not finalised anything”.
In its letter, the AIC expressed concern that the proposed regulations could hamper Malaysia’s growing digital economy, which has played its part in attracting significant investments for the nation.
The coalition, whose members include Apple Inc, Amazon and Meta, said that while it shared the government’s commitment to addressing online harms, the proposed implementation timeline left the industry with insufficient clarity and time to assess its implications.
Yesterday, Grab had distanced itself from the open letter, clarifying that while its company was mentioned in the document, it was “neither informed nor consulted” on the matter.
It was previously reported that between August 1 and December 31, MCMC will hold engagement sessions with stakeholders, including social media and messaging system providers, to establish a code of conduct and outline actions for non-compliance.
Failure to comply with the licensing directive could result in charges under Section 126 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum penalty of a RM500,000 fine, five years in prison, or both.
Providers could also be fined RM1,000 for each day the offence continues.
The ministry is expecting to receive licensing applications from social media platform providers around October or November this year, following which the regulatory framework will take effect on January 1, 2025. – August 27, 2024