KUALA LUMPUR: Four social media and messaging service providers namely WeChat, TikTok, Telegram and Meta have applied for the licence to operate in Malaysia, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
MCMC said Tencent, which operates WeChat, became the first service provider to receive the Applications Service Providers Class [ASP(C)] licence.
“After WeChat, ByteDance (TikTok) has successfully acquired their licence,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
MCMC said Telegram is in the final stages of the application process and will soon receive its licence.
It also said that Meta, the Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp operator, had initiated the licensing process. X (formerly Twitter) and Google, which operates YouTube, have yet to submit their applications to MCMC.
The commission said that, according to X, its user base in Malaysia does not meet the threshold of eight million users, which is required to apply for the licence. MCMC said it would verify X’s claims.
MCMC said concerns have been expressed about YouTube’s video-sharing functions and its classification within the licensing framework.
It said that the issues raised had been discussed. It would ensure that YouTube and all relevant platform providers are informed about their duties and responsibilities to comply with the licensing framework.
It further said MCMC will evaluate the status of platform providers that have yet to obtain the required licence and will consider appropriate actions under the Communications and Multimedia Act.
It said platform providers found to violate licensing requirements may be subject to investigation and regulatory action.
The licensing requirements, which came into effect yesterday, underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening online safety, enhancing user protection, particularly for children and vulnerable groups, and improving regulatory oversight for service providers operating in Malaysia, it added.
MCMC also applauded the efforts of service providers who have taken proactive steps toward compliance and emphasises the importance of adhering to the licensing requirements.
It said these efforts are pivotal in creating a safe and secure online environment for all.
