MELAKA: Social media companies and users have a responsibility to curb derogatory and racially charged comments, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF), together with relevant agencies, continues to engage social media users and platforms such as TikTok to build awareness on managing and minimising harmful online discourse.
“For instance, when media organisations such as TV3, Utusan Malaysia or Sin Chew Daily conduct live coverage on TikTok and encounter such comments, they can take immediate steps to moderate or limit the spread of these remarks,” he told reporters this after attending the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), witnessed by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, at a leading hotel in Ayer Keroh here on Friday (Dec 12).
Fahmi stressed that education and awareness efforts would continue to be extended to social media platform operators and users to discourage offensive statements and the normalisation of harmful commentary.
Fahmi was responding to the recent call by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to stop making insensitive comments involving race and religion on social media.
His Royal Highness warned that such behaviour could lead to greater polarisation and erode trust among Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has committed RM310mil to support Melaka’s efforts to strengthen its digital infrastructure.
He said the allocation, which would enter its first phase over six months next year, is a continuation of earlier digitalisation initiatives, including the Kampung Digital programme.
According to Fahmi, the strategic collaboration will cover the entire state, encompassing both urban and rural areas, to ensure no community is left behind in the implementation of the Melaka Smart City initiative.
“Among the key foundations of smart city development is a robust and comprehensive communications infrastructure,” he said.
The MOU, he added, would focus on the expansion of fibre optic networks, wider public WiFi coverage and support for smart technologies, with implementation to proceed once planning and technical evaluations are finalised.
Fahmi also welcomed the state government's initiative, including the introduction of digital cemetery and digital animal management systems, which he said would bring significant benefits to the locals
He said the Federal Government is prepared to consider increasing the allocation to RM350 million should the initiatives demonstrate clear benefits to the public.
Separately, Ab Rauf said the collaboration aligns with the Melaka Smart Blueprint 2035, which targets the development of a high-technology city, smart public safety systems, integrated traffic management and the strengthening of the state’s digital economy.
He said the initiatives are expected to deliver direct benefits to the public, including faster internet access, efficient public service delivery and a competitive urban environment.
