COMMUNICATIONS Minister Fahmi Fadzil has clarified that the government has no immediate plans to ban the popular video-sharing app TikTok. This statement comes in response to inquiries from lawmakers about whether Malaysia would follow other nations in prohibiting the platform due to perceived harm.
During a session at the Dewan Rakyat, Fahmi responded to concerns raised by Batu Pahat MP Onn Abu Bakar regarding the potential ban of TikTok.
“At this time, the government has no intention of closing any social media platforms. We see that some issues have been raised, we hope for better cooperation (with the operators of these platforms) and appropriate laws which correspond with the current requirements.”
Fahmi acknowledged that some countries, such as India and China, have imposed restrictions or outright bans on TikTok. He also mentioned China’s development of a similar platform called Douyin after banning TikTok.
In addressing online security concerns, Fahmi outlined several measures under consideration to combat issues such as the dissemination of inappropriate content and online pornography.
“This includes the selling of inappropriate items (online),” he added.
Moreover, Fahmi described the ongoing efforts to combat online pornography as akin to a “cat and mouse” game, where closing one avenue often leads to its reappearance elsewhere.
“Kita tutup sini dia muncul sana (we close one, it appears somewhere else).”
He also stressed the necessity of collaboration with platform providers to tackle issues related to online pornography effectively. He highlighted challenges faced by law enforcement particularly in profiling accounts that spread illicit material.
Responding to inquiries from Kamal Ashaari regarding steps taken to curb the sale of pornographic material on platforms like Telegram and X, Fahmi disclosed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission had investigated 38 cases related to pornographic content from January 2023 to March 2024.
“Of this, 18 cases are still under investigation, warning notices were sent in two cases whereas 18 others were classified as no further action or no offence stated where the material has been deleted or removed.” – March 13, 2024
