PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) Deeming Provision to consider major digital providers as automatically licensed – and therefore subject to Malaysian laws – from Jan 1 is a step towards strengthening governance of such platforms, says Bukit Aman.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the current digital ecosystem requires a more responsive regulatory approach to online threats, including online child exploitation and fraud.
"The police will continue to work closely with the MCMC and other agencies through a 'whole-of-government' approach to ensure that the new mechanisms currently being finalised can enhance the effectiveness of investigations, strengthen information sharing, and expedite action against harmful content or activities in the digital space," he said in a statement on Monday (Dec 15).
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"The police remain committed to carrying out enforcement in accordance with existing legal provisions and to enhancing internal readiness to ensure that the digital security framework to be introduced can be effectively supported."
He added that the police force is confident that the framework's implementation will bolster digital protection for the public and increase cooperation between the government and digital platform providers.
"This step also serves as an important foundation for safeguarding the safety of future generations, especially children and families, within an increasingly challenging cyber landscape," he said.
Earlier on Monday, the MCMC announced that Internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia will be considered to be registered Application Service Provider Class or ASP(C) licensees from next year.
It said this would be made possible through a dispensation of formalities under Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Deeming Provision).
Platforms and providers that meet criteria for the Deeming Provision include WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, it added.
