CYBERJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation following public outrage over a viral clip showing a group of individuals, believed to be influencers, giving food scraps to a homeless person.
In a statement issued yesterday, the MCMC reiterated its firm position against the creation and distribution of content that exploits marginalised groups for the sake of cheap entertainment and view generation while also causing public distress.
“The spread of content that degrades or humiliates individual dignity is not only unethical but also leads to the normalisation of inhumane culture within society.
“The investigation into the content is being conducted under existing legal provisions, and stern action will be taken against any parties found guilty,” the statement read.
MCMC also reminded members of the public not to disseminate or upload any provocative content that could disrupt public order.
It also warned that any sharing of extremely offensive, false, or threatening content can result in action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, with offenders facing fines of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, if found guilty.
“MCMC is committed and firm in ensuring that cyberspace is not misused, in line with efforts to uphold the rule of law and societal harmony,” it added.
Last week, three influencers sparked public outrage after uploading a video that appeared to show them feeding chicken bones wrapped together with rice to a homeless man.
Following a wave of backlash from Internet users, the trio issued an apology in a separate video on Monday, in which they spoke in Mandarin about the background leading to the video’s filming.
They claimed the man had been informed about the filming beforehand and had consented to it.
They also clarified that the chicken bones and rice were not intended as his actual meal.
“We had already given him a proper meal, including rice and two pieces of chicken, before filming, and he agreed to participate in the filming.
“We hope Malaysians can forgive us. We are truly sorry,” they said as they bowed.
The controversial video has since been removed from their social media platforms.
