In a recent development, Fahmi Fadzil, Malaysia's Communications Minister, has called for increased commitment from social media platforms to tackle various forms of cybercrime. The government's focus encompasses a range of issues, including online scams, cyberbullying, and content harmful to minors.
Fahmi Fadzil highlighted the varying degrees of cooperation from different platforms during a media briefing. He noted, "There are platforms that are more willing to cooperate (with the government) and there are those that aren't."
The minister provided compliance rates for several major social media platforms regarding the government's requests to remove harmful content:
Meta's platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, demonstrated the highest compliance rates. In contrast, X showed the lowest rate at 25%.
This initiative aligns with Malaysia's broader efforts to enhance its digital landscape. The country has been actively working on improving its cybersecurity measures, as evidenced by the launch of the National Cyber Security Strategy in 2020. Additionally, Malaysia has implemented strict laws against the spread of fake news, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 89% of Malaysia's population using the internet as of 2024, the government's focus on cybersecurity is crucial. The country's Digital Economy Blueprint aims to transform Malaysia into a digitally-driven, high-income nation by 2030, making cybersecurity a key priority.
Malaysia's approach to cybercrime is multifaceted. The country has a dedicated cybercrime investigation unit within its police force and is a member of the ASEAN Network Security Action Council. Furthermore, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) plays a vital role in regulating the country's communications and multimedia industry.
As part of its efforts to combat cybercrime, Malaysia has been promoting digital literacy programs to educate citizens about online safety. The government has also been exploring the development of its own social media platforms to reduce dependence on foreign platforms.
The minister's recent statement underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing cybercrime in an increasingly digital world. As Malaysia continues to navigate these issues, the cooperation of social media platforms remains a critical factor in ensuring a safer online environment for its citizens.
"There are platforms that are more willing to cooperate (with the government) and there are those that aren't."