PUTRAJAYA: The new laws for social media and Internet messaging services are meant to ensure a safer space for all Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister defended the move by the government to introduce laws and regulations despite criticism from several quarters that it would curb freedom of expression in the country.
ALSO READ: New social media, messaging regulations to combat crime, harmful information, says Anwar
"This country is a democratic nation and freedom is granted for the people to voice their views, whether to agree or disagree.
"But the cyber and digital space are being used to torture others resulting in some committing suicide or used as a tool exploit minors for sex trafficking.
"Many have also been cheated online through social media platforms resulting in losses amounting to more than RM2.5bil.
"And when we say all this must be stopped, they say we are curbing freedoms.
ALSO READ: Licensing social media the right move, says DPM
"Is there freedom to cheat, freedom to steal, freedom to torture others till they commit suicide?
"That is why the rakyat must understand that in such matters the safety, dignity and selfworth of the people must be given priority," he said when launching the National Security Month here on Tuesday (July 30).
Anwar said this after acknowledging that there was some push back from civil society who claim the laws would curtail freedom of expression.
ALSO READ: Social media and Internet messaging services must apply for Class Licence from Aug 1, says MCMC
In a statement on Saturday (July 27), the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that all social media and Internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class Licence beginning Aug 1.
The enforcement of the regulatory requirement is effective on Jan 1 next year.
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.
ALSO READ: Govt to introduce 'kill switch' to boost online security
On Sunday (July 28), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced in a statement that new legislation to improve digital safety, including provisions for a 'kill switch'.
The law will require social media and internet messaging service providers to take responsibility for addressing online crimes, including fraud, cyberbullying, the distribution of child sexual abuse material and various forms of harassment.
Azalina said that the initiative is expected to be tabled during the next Parliament meeting this coming October.
