94Ha Viewpoint
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said that instant messaging Telegram and social media WeChat service provider Tencent have started the process to apply for the licenses required to operate in Malaysia. This is the first two social media platforms to apply for licenses since the authorities legislated that social media must apply for licenses.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission posted on Facebook on Thursday (December 26) that Telegram and Tencent have both promised to meet the conditions for operating in Malaysia as soon as possible. “The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission appreciates Telegram and Tencent’s commitment to comply with the provisions of the licensing measures.”
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission also urged all other social media and instant messaging platforms to apply before the deadline of December 31, otherwise they will face enforcement action from the regulatory authorities. “This is something all parties want to avoid. The authorities will be committed to providing the necessary support to all service providers to ensure that their application procedures proceed smoothly.”
Communications Minister Fahmi said last Friday (December 20) that the government will strengthen Internet regulation next year, including requiring eight major social media and instant messaging platforms to apply for operating licenses under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
These platforms include Facebook, Instagram, X platform, YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, Telegram and WeChat. Fahmi said that the number of users of these platforms in Malaysia exceeds 8 million, reaching the threshold for applying for a license.
Starting next year, the Communications and Multimedia Commission will take action against social media platforms that fail to comply with user age restrictions. Malaysia currently stipulates that all social media platforms cannot be open to children under the age of 13.
