The new laws for social media and Internet messaging services are meant to ensure a safer space for all Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister defended the move by the government to introduce laws and regulations despite criticism from several quarters that it would curb freedom of expression in the country.
“This country is a democratic nation and freedom is granted for the people to voice their views, whether to agree or disagree.
“But the cyber and digital space are being used to torture others resulting in some committing suicide or used as a tool to exploit minors for sex trafficking.
“Many have also been cheated online through social media platforms resulting in losses amounting to more than RM2.5bil.
“And when we say all this must be stopped, they say we are curbing freedoms.
“Is there freedom to cheat, freedom to steal, freedom to torture others till they commit suicide?
“That is why the rakyat must understand that in such matters the safety, dignity and self-worth of the people must be given priority,” he said when launching the National Security Month here on Tuesday (July 30).
Anwar said this after acknowledging that there was some pushback from civil society who claimed the laws would curtail freedom of expression.
In a statement on Saturday (July 27), the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that all social media and Internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class Licence beginning Aug 1.
The enforcement of the regulatory requirement is effective on Jan 1 next year.
MCMC said this is in line with the Cabinet’s decision that social media services and Internet messaging services must comply with Malaysian laws, to combat the rise in cybercrime offences including scams and online fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children.
On Sunday (July 28), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced in a statement that new legislation to improve digital safety, including provisions for a ‘kill switch’.
The law will require social media and internet messaging service providers to take responsibility for addressing online crimes, including fraud, cyberbullying, the distribution of child sexual abuse material and various forms of harassment.
Azalina said that the initiative is expected to be tabled during the next Parliament meeting this coming October.
Earlier, former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan chastised the government over its latest move to impose new licensing laws for social media operators.
Taking to X, Ambiga said she never imagined that a Harapan-led government would go back on its election promises of reforming archaic laws, including the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984.
“I never thought I would see the day when a Harapan-led government which ran on the platform of fighting for the abolishment of the PPPA would instead, keep it and impose new licensing laws,” she said.
“UG (unity government) we can now crown you the most dictatorial government we have ever had. Syabas!” she said.