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KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is considering a proposal to develop a social media app specifically for its citizens, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
He said this was because some social media app providers profited from Malaysians but failed to ensure the safety of their users.
“Last year, Facebook alone was estimated to have earned $600 million from Malaysia, but what have they done to ensure that the status and use of their platform in Malaysia is safe?
“There is a lack of commitment on their part, so we need to study and assess the situation. It is not easy to develop our own social media platform, but some countries have tried it. We will look into it,” he told reporters on Sunday (Aug 4) evening.
Fahmi said he also met with celebrity host Aznil Nawawi, who made the suggestion after Meta recently removed social media posts related to Palestine.
During the meeting, he shared his thoughts on the use of social media and hoped to convey them to Aznil’s followers.
“I reminded him that children under 13 should not use social media and he agreed to pass that message on to his fans,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said he will meet with Meta in Putrajaya on August 5 to discuss removing Palestinian-related content from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s social media accounts.
He said the ministry would ensure that Meta did not remove any content related to Sunday night’s pro-Palestinian rally.
“They have agreed to do so. I have provided a list of not only the prime minister’s Facebook account but also official accounts of several media outlets. We will wait and see whether they will keep their promise, but I am sure they will,” he said, adding that the foreign ministry would insist that they fulfil their commitment.
Last week, Malaysia introduced a new regulatory framework that requires all social media and internet messaging platforms in the country with at least eight million registered users to comply with it.
These include Meta’s Facebook, ByteDance’s TikTok, and Elon Musk’s X platform, among others.
The new level of license will come into effect on January 1 next year.
According to details released by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the license is valid for one year and companies need to apply every year.
According to local media reports, companies that fail to register for licenses by Jan. 1 could face a fine of not more than RM500,000 or five years in prison, or both, if they continue to operate in the country.
Mr Fahmi had previously told CNA that the new classified licensing system would strengthen Malaysia’s legislative power to ensure the internet is safer for children and families.
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