KUALA LUMPUR: Telegram has been granted the Application Service Provider Class Licence (ASP (C)) to operate in Malaysia, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He stated that Telegram obtained the licence from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Jan 2, making it the third licensed service provider under the licensing requirements for internet messaging and social media services.
"Meta, which operates Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is still in the process of submitting several documents before obtaining the licence. We expect this process to be completed soon," he said at a press conference after witnessing the document exchange ceremony for the Melaka Digital Village Initiative agreement between MCMC and the Melaka Government.
Also present were Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, and State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Tencent (WeChat) was the first internet messaging and social media service provider to receive the ASP (C), followed by ByteDance (TikTok).
Fahmi mentioned that for Google's licensing, he has requested MCMC to continue engagement and warned that action would be taken if there are violations of communication laws.
"For example, scam videos, deepfake, or online gambling on YouTube can be acted upon for non-compliance and violation of our country's laws.
"The laws are still in force, and we are continuing discussions because YouTube considers itself not a social media platform.
"However, if we look at 'YouTube Shorts,' the elements are similar to TikTok, and these are among the matters being discussed, which will take some time," he said.
Regarding the platform X (formerly Twitter), he mentioned that MCMC is still managing the matter, which requires some time since the platform previously stated that its user base in Malaysia does not reach the threshold value of eight million users.
Commenting on the event, Fahmi said the Melaka Digital Village is the first initiative in Malaysia using QR codes to modernise the home address system in 623 traditional villages in the state and improve the quality of data access for public services.
He said the initiative with MCMC not only positively impacts Melaka but is also expected to become a model for other states in developing a more inclusive and competitive digital ecosystem.
