KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is strengthening its cooperation with Meta Platforms Inc (Meta) to curb Facebook activities that violate Malaysian laws, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
He added that the commission met with Meta management last week and discussed controls on Facebook relating to online gambling and ads of non-existent investments and scams.
“This issue is on Meta’s side, I have repeatedly brought it up to be resolved, so during this meeting, we have asked for further explanations on the online gambling and scam issues, and these are what we are focusing on currently.
“I hope our cooperation through MCMC and META will grow even closer in our efforts to curb any misuse of the platform,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysian National News Agency’s (Bernama) 56th Anniversary and Aidilfitri Open House celebration at Wisma Bernama here today, in the presence of Bernama chief executive officer (CEO) Roslan Ariffin and Bernama acting editor-in-chief Jamaluddin Muhammad.
Fahmi was refuting claims by Telegram account holder Edisi Siasat that his ministry had not taken any action against such activities on Facebook.
He also said they were studying how to take stern action against Telegram users who upload pornography and use the app to sell drugs and medicines unapproved by the Health Ministry.
“All of these matters are worrisome as they are legal violations, from the onset, the (Unity Government) administration has asked Telegram (to address) these issues but they have refused to do so till now, so I asked the MCMC to study the necessary actions,” he said.
Fahmi also took the time to congratulate Bernama on its 56th anniversary, saying that the agency played a vital role as a news agency in reporting news and historic national events.
“Congratulations Bernama... a prime mover in the Malaysian media industry, and as the organiser of the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2023.
“Changes in the media industry due to the development of social media need to be studied together and my ministry and I stand ready to assist Bernama,” he added. — Bernama
