LIMA: Social media platform TikTok has given its assurance that it will cooperate with local communications and financial authorities to address cyberbullying and online scams, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The relevant authorities are the Communications Ministry, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and Bank Negara Malaysia.
Anwar said this following his meeting with a delegation from TikTok, led by its chief executive officer Shou Zi Chew, here yesterday.
“During the meeting, I raised several matters, including the implementation of a regulatory framework to license social media and Internet messaging services starting from Jan 1 next year.
“I also touched on issues such as cyberbullying, scams, and the culture of defamation in Malaysia, which has been rampant on TikTok.
“We also discussed the collaboration between the government and TikTok in Malaysia, and it has confirmed plans to continue making substantial investments,” Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said in a statement, reported Bernama.
TikTok has also expressed its commitment to supporting Malaysia’s efforts as the chair of Asean in 2025, he added.
Anwar arrived here on Nov 12, marking his first official visit to the Latin American region since assuming office in November 2022.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Peru, which includes his participation in the 31st Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) from Nov 14-16, is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Peru.
At a separate event, Anwar stressed the importance of strengthening ties with the Global South, highlighting the vast untapped potential and emerging opportunities in this region.
He said historically, the focus has been on a narrow set of partners, but the changing global dynamics present a compelling case for broadening horizons and diversifying alliances.
He reiterated that while the United States remains Malaysia’s top investor, Putrajaya also has strong trading partnerships with China, “and we are collaborating effectively in multiple areas. That is the way forward.”
“We should not be dictated to by anyone; instead, we must be guided by what is best for our country, as determined by our own people.
“I believe Malaysia and Peru share the same perspective. We need to remain open and neutral. In Asean, we call it centrality,” he said in his opening remarks during a roundtable with captains of industry from Malaysia and Peru here Wednesday.
The roundtable meeting with industry and business leaders served as a platform for the Malaysian delegation to promote trade and investment opportunities in Malaysia to companies from South America, particularly from Peru, offering detailed insights into Malaysia’s policies on energy transition, sustainability, and halal certification.
The meeting was attended by 22 representatives from 20 organisations, including major Peruvian conglomerates like Grupo Romero, Grupo Armejo Yepez, and Grupo Molicom.
During the meeting, Peruvian companies expressed particular interest in Malaysia’s capacity to export products such as medical equipment and supplies, steel- and glass-related building materials, as well as consumer goods.
