KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is considering the proposal to develop a social media application specifically for its citizens, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said this is because some social media application providers are profiting off Malaysians but fail to ensure user safety.
“Last year, it was estimated that Facebook alone earned US$600 million from Malaysia, but what have they done to ensure that the condition and use of their platform in Malaysia are safe?
“They lack commitment, so we need to study and assess the situation. It is not easy to develop our own social media platform, but some countries have attempted it. We will look into it,” he told reporters on Sunday (Aug 4) night.
Mr Fahmi said he has also met with celebrity host Aznil Nawawi, who came up with the proposal following Meta’s recent action of removing social media postings related to Palestine.
During the meeting, he shared his views regarding social media usage that should be communicated to Mr Aznil’s followers.
“I reminded him that children under 13 should not use social media, and he agreed to convey this message to his fans,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Fahmi said he will meet with Meta on Aug 5 in Putrajaya to discuss its removal of Palestine-related content from the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s social media accounts.
He said the ministry will ensure that Meta does not remove any content related to a pro-Palestinian rally on Sunday night.
“They have agreed to do so. I have provided a list of not only the Prime Minister’s Facebook account but also the official accounts of several media outlets. We will see whether they will follow through, but I believe they will keep their promise,” he said, adding that the ministry will insist that they fulfill their pledge.
Last week, Malaysia introduced a new regulatory framework for all social media and internet messaging platforms with at least eight million registered users in the country to comply with.
These include Meta’s Facebook, ByteDance’s TikTok as well as Elon Musk’s X platform, among others.
Enforcement under the new class licence will begin from Jan 1 next year.
In details released by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the licence is valid for one year and firms are required to apply for it annually.
Firms that fail to register for the licence by Jan 1 may face fines of not more than RM500,000 or five years imprisonment, or both, if they continue to operate in the country, local media reported.
Mr Fahmi had previously told CNA that the new class licensing regime will add to Malaysia’s legislative firepower to ensure the internet is safer for children and families.
