PUTRAJAYA: Google and X have yet to apply for the new class licenses required under Malaysia’s updated regulatory framework, which came into effect on January 1.
The new licensing system, introduced in July of last year, is designed to safeguard the public from potential online risks. Platforms and messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia are obligated to comply with the new regulations.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) confirmed that Google, which owns YouTube, had expressed concerns about how the platform's video-sharing features are classified under the new framework. In response, MCMC assured that it would address these concerns and ensure that YouTube, along with other platforms that meet the criteria, adheres to the licensing requirements.
Meanwhile, X informed MCMC that its Malaysian user base has not yet reached the eight million threshold. MCMC is currently reviewing this claim and will continue discussions with X to confirm the platform’s status.
In contrast, several other major platforms are making significant progress in obtaining their licenses. MCMC noted that Tencent’s WeChat was the first to secure the Application Service Provider Class license, followed by ByteDance’s TikTok. Telegram is reportedly nearing the final stages of its licensing process, while Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has already begun its licensing application and is expected to complete it soon.
MCMC emphasized that it will closely monitor platforms that have yet to obtain their licenses, warning that failure to comply could result in penalties under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Non-compliant platforms could face fines of up to RM500,000 (US$111,600), imprisonment of up to five years, or a daily fine of RM1,000 for each day of non-compliance.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil assured the public that Malaysia does not intend to block or ban social media platforms, acknowledging the value they bring to the country’s digital economy.
These regulatory changes follow the tragic death of social media influencer Rajeswary Appahu, known online as Esha, who was found dead after reporting harassment during a TikTok live session. The incident led the government to reassess its approach to online platforms, particularly regarding cyberbullying.
Independent data provider World Population Review reports that WeChat has 12 million users in Malaysia. According to Kepios, as of early 2024, YouTube has 24.1 million users, TikTok has 28.68 million users aged 18 and above, Facebook has 22.35 million users, and X has 5.71 million users in the country.
Subscribe to us: