KUALA LUMPUR: A new subsidiary legislation aimed at curbing online scammers is underway, including a requirement for social media advertisers' verification, says Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is developing an online safety code to reduce online harm by considering practices from several countries.
"This includes referring to Singapore, which mandates identity verification for advertisers, and Taiwan, which requires social media platforms to disclose advertisement sponsors and payers," she said during the question time at the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (July 23).
Teo was responding to a supplementary question by Chong Chieng Jen (PH-Stampin) about plans to introduce new legislation against scammers impersonating individuals on social media.
Teo also shared that she has been a victim of fake advertisements impersonating her.
"I reported this to MCMC, but when one advertisement was taken down by Meta, another would appear," she said.
She revealed that MCMC received about 121 requests to remove content impersonating high-profile individuals in Malaysia, including royals, ministers, and political leaders.
"I hope the ministry will get support from all MPs to take action against these impersonations.
"As the Online Safety Act was passed and gazetted in May, MCMC is developing a subsidiary legislation," she added.
Teo earlier stated that as of July 15, a total of 46,817 scam content items have been removed.
She said actions were taken following complaints and in accordance with community guidelines set by each platform.
She added that no social media platforms have been charged and convicted in court related to online scam advertisements.
"This is because the content uploaded on these platforms is typically published by third parties (users), and the assessment of legal action depends on the platform's role and liability in allowing or facilitating the dissemination of such content," she said.
The government, through MCMC, will continue efforts to curb this issue by collaborating technically with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
