PUTRAJAYA: All social media platform providers operating in Malaysia have been advised to implement electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents such as MyKad, a passport or MyDigital ID.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the implementation of the electronic identity system would ensure that user identities are fully verified to reduce online fraud and prevent children under 13 from opening their own social media accounts.
“For now, we are encouraging it, but when the Online Safety Act comes into effect at the end of this year or early next year, it will become mandatory.
“We found that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok and others do not yet have a truly capable eKYC system, so we have asked them to implement the eKYC process using official government-issued documents,” he said at the ministry’s monthly assembly, Bernama reported.
Fahmi said the government is firm in ensuring Malaysians are protected from online crimes such as investment scams, gambling and the sale of prohibited goods.
The ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), will coordinate a meeting of the police, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre and the Finance Ministry (MOF), with Meta and TikTok in Singapore within the next two weeks.
Among the issues to be raised are the sale of prohibited items such as drug-laced vape liquids on Meta platforms and the implementation of eKYC verification.
On another matter, Fahmi said his ministry is working with the MOF and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to ensure that oil companies nationwide provide accurate information about the implementation of the Budi Madani (Budi95) initiative to customers at their petrol stations.
Fahmi said the effort is important to make it easy for the public to access verified information at the petrol stations when the subsidy programme rolls out on Sept 30.
“I have also requested that the MOF invite TikTokers, websites, influencers and others interested in obtaining accurate information to attend a briefing session. This includes our partners within the unity government to ensure everyone is well informed.
“We are also committed to delivering accurate information regarding any concerns raised to the general public through mass media and social media channels. This is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts,” he said.
Fahmi also explained that agencies such as the Department of Information and the Community Communications Department have been tasked with reviewing and understanding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) prepared by MOF, available on the official portal www.budi95.gov.my to facilitate clear and accurate communication to the public.
“The government aims to ensure that only Malaysian citizens benefit from this Budi95 initiative,” he said.
