Zero tolerance towards hate speech

KUALA LUMPUR: Online portal news editors and social media administrators have been urged to use their powers to act against comments that touch on race, religion and royalty – the 3Rs.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said social media platform providers should also be more responsible in taking down provocative and dangerous content.

“Hate speech or photographs refer to comments or pictures that accuse or degrade a person based on their race, ethnicity, religion or nationality.

“Therefore, MCMC will continue its monitoring to curb the spread of false information and offensive comments that have elements of race, religion and royalty,” it said in a statement yesterday.

Sharing content that is false, offensive or threatening is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum RM50,000 fine or a year’s imprisonment or both upon conviction.

MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Saleh Fatih Din also reminded the public not to upload or share any hateful content or views that have elements of race, religion or royalty on social media or messaging applications.“Joint enforcement action will be taken with the police against those involved, in accordance with existing legal provisions to protect public order and the interests of citizens,” he said.

These latest reminders follow recent incidents that could potentially disrupt public order.

MCMC also reminded those who come across content that is provocative or seditious in nature or that insults race, royalty or race, to report to it via https://aduan.skmm.gov.my/, the 1800-188-030 hotline, WhatsApp at 016-220 6262, or email [e-mail].

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there would be zero tolerance towards any attempt to incite racial or religious sentiments in the country.

He said any bid to pit one race against another, or to raise the racial and religious temperature in the country, would not be permitted.

Security forces have also been put on alert to curb such attempts.