PUTRAJAYA: Meta is set to receive its licence shortly after communications regulators complete their review of several follow-up documents, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister and unity government spokesperson said he anticipates the process will proceed smoothly.
"So far, three platforms have received their licences: WeChat, TikTok, and Telegram. Meta's approval is coming soon... very soon," he said at the post-Cabinet meeting press conference on Wednesday (Jan 8).
A newly introduced regulatory requirement aims to tackle rising cybercrime, requiring social media platforms and messaging services with over eight million users in the country to obtain a licence or face legal action.
This requirement came into effect on Jan 1 of this year.
According to Fahmi, another two platforms, Google's YouTube and Elon Musk's X, are still in discussions with the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) regarding licensing.
The MCMC said in a statement on Jan 2 that Google has raised issues about YouTube’s classification under the licensing framework.
Fahmi said he also received queries about whether LinkedIn is considered a social media platform.
"I have asked the MCMC to review whether LinkedIn has more than eight million users, and if necessary, should be considered as a social media platform. After that, we will contact LinkedIn if necessary," he added.
