PETALING JAYA: Registering all Internet messaging and social media service providers with eight million or more users in Malaysia ensures clearer accountability alongside tighter digital regulation, say cybersecurity experts.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Cybersecurity Research Centre director Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam called the move “nothing short of a regulatory masterstroke”.
“Instead of waiting for tech giants to stroll leisurely through the bureaucratic garden, Malaysia has effectively installed an automatic gate that captures upon entry,” he said.
“This move ensures relevant industry players fall immediately under Malaysian regulatory oversight without administrative lag or voluntary opt-ins.”
ALSO READ : For the safety of visitors to the digital world
He added that users should also benefit from stronger data protection awareness and safety by design approaches.
“Automatic licensing closes loopholes and brings everyone to the table, whether they confirm or not,” Prof Selvakumar said.
Cybersecurity expert Fong Choong Fook said having a licensing programme in place provides a reference guideline for licensing providers while also imposing regulatory requirements on platform providers.
He also stressed the importance of efficient enforcement under the much anticipated Online Safety Act 2025 (Onsa).
“The question is whether the regulations will be adhered to.
“Without enforcement, the Onsa may become a paper tiger,” said Fong, who is the founder of cybersecurity firm LGMS Bhd.
He is also of the view that penalties scaled to revenue should be integrated into Onsa.
“A financial penalty is good. Another suggestion is to hold the chief executives of social media platforms based in Malaysia criminally liable,” he said.
Prof Selvakumar also proposed revenue-based penalties, saying the fine not exceeding RM10mil for non-compliance of rules as stipulated under Onsa would be a tiny amount for global tech and social media platform giants.
“Global regulators too are increasingly imposing penalties scaled to revenue,” he said.
ALSO READ : Subject to the law, whether they like it or not
“Think of RM10mil as a decent ‘warning shot’ but not yet the deterrent needed for repeat offenders or systemic negligence.”
He said Malaysia should follow in the footsteps of the European Union, which recently slapped Apple and Meta with steep fines for breaching certain legal obligations.
“A carrot and stick model would be the way forward – the carrot in the form of cooperative frameworks, transparent expectations, and clear safety standards, and the stick in the form of steeper penalties for on-purpose, repeated or harmful non-compliance.”
