WHILE Malaysians are free to create and express creative content on social media platforms, they must steer clear from sensitivities related to the 3R – race, religion and royalty, said Fahmi Fadzil.
According to the Communications and Digital minister, his ministry will continue monitoring the situation with cooperation from social media platforms to make sure that social media contents do not touch on these sensitivities.
“In terms of public security, the government will take swift action in the event of any public disturbances caused by such action or problems through the spread of deviant teachings, militant extremism, and terrorism,” he was reported as saying after officiating the KNKV Viral Award and the KNKV rebranding ceremony yesterday (March 8).
“In Malaysia, we do not prevent anyone from expressing themselves or voicing out, but we have laws, manners, and culture.
“It is important to remember that while we have the freedom to speak, we do not have the right to slander anyone or spread fake information.”
Fahmi further clarified that the ministry – particularly the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission – does not often ask social media platforms to delete content unless it receives complaints from the public, or if it is found to touch on the 3Rs.
“Nearly 95% of content that is removed is due to the content creator violating community guidelines (set by the platform provider). If this happens repeatedly, the platform itself will close the account,” he acknowledged. – March 9, 2023
