PETALING JAYA: Requiring social media services and Internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia to obtain a Class License, is a timely move. says an anti-crime NGO.
Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Thief (Marah) founder Dave Avran said it was a good measure for the country.x
"I agree with the latest initiative.
"However, we must keep in mind that while Malaysian users can be regulated, it is a different case for those operating outside Malaysia," he said when contacted on Sunday (July 28).
Avran said requiring a site to obtain a Class License is a move in the right direction.
"We hope the government will be able to come up with more comprehensive regulations in regards to social media and Internet usage, including for those operating overseas.
"Cybercrimes such as cyberbullying should be dealt with decisively to prevent more people from becoming victims," he said.
It was reported that all social media services and Internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class Licence beginning Aug 1, said the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
This is part of a new regulatory framework that will be introduced.
Failure to obtain a Class Licence for Application Service Providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 after the effective date would be an offence, said MCMC, adding that appropriate legal action can be taken under the Act.
The enforcement is effective on Jan 1 next year.
In a statement, MCMC said this is in line with the Cabinet's decision that social media services and Internet messaging services must comply with Malaysian laws, to combat the rise in cybercrime offences including scams and online fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children.
MCMC said previously, these services were exempted from licensing requirements based on the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemption) Order 2000.
"This new regulatory framework only applies to services that meet the licensing eligibility criteria and does not involve its users.
