Segamat MP calls for monitoring of Mandarin and Tamil social media content

JOHOR BARU: The government should implement more comprehensive measures to monitor social media content written in Mandarin and Tamil, says Segamat MP R. Yuneswaran.

He said following the death of social media influencer and activist Rajeswary Appahu, the Communications Ministry should be proactive and rigorously enforce mechanisms to regulate social media companies to monitor content.

"I call for a specialised panel to review to be created as well as guidelines for monitoring online content, not only in English and Malay but also in other languages such as Mandarin and Tamil.

"This will ensure that hate speech and cyberbullying are identified and eradicated at the root, regardless of the language used," he said in a statement on Monday (July 8).

He also urged the government to take immediate action against cyberbullies and punish them severely.

"I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of Rajeswary, who took her own life as a result of relentless cyberbullying.

"This serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that online harassment can have on individuals, particularly the youth," he said.

Yuneswaran also urged the Communications Ministry, Digital Ministry and relevant authorities to set a precedent and mete out stern punishment on those found responsible for bullying Rajeswary.

He added that this would send a clear message to all cyberbullies that their actions will not be tolerated and be met with severe consequences.

He also suggested stricter sign-up policies and for the government to monitor for bogus accounts.

"A red flag system ... will help to identify and address potential bullies before they can cause harm," said Yuneswaran.

Rajeswary had lodged a police report on July 4 over threats made against her.

The 30-year-old Hindu rights activist named two individuals in her report lodged at the Dang Wangi police station, alleging they were trolling her on social media.

Rajeswary was found dead in her apartment a day after she lodged the report.

Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email [e-mail].