PETALING JAYA: Requiring social media services and Internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia to obtain a class licence is a timely move, says an anti-crime NGO.
Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Theft (Marah) founder Dave Avran lauded it as a good measure for the country.
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“I am in agreement 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 yesterday.
Avran said requiring a site to obtain the Class Licence for Application Service Providers was a move in the right direction.
“We hope the government will be able to come up with more comprehensive regulations in regard 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 added.
On Saturday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that all social media services and Internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for the licence beginning Aug 1.
The measure is part of a new regulatory framework.
Failure to obtain the Class Licence for Application Service Providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 after the effective date will be an offence with appropriate legal action under the Act.
The enforcement is effective Jan 1 next year. In its statement, MCMC said this was in line with the Cabinet’s decision that those services must comply with Malaysian laws to combat the rise in cybercrime including scams and online fraud, cyberbullying and sexual offences 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,” it added.
