Number accounts for three years of 3R-related social media content
KUALA LUMPUR: Some 8,142 pieces of hate speech content related to race, religion and royalty were removed from social media over the past three years, the Communications Minister revealed.
Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said social media platform providers removed the content between Jan 1, 2022, and Dec 31 last year, as it violated domestic laws and platform community guidelines.
The removals were also made following the submission of removal applications by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), he said.
Fahmi said the government has several regulatory approaches, namely through the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) and Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866).
“Instances of extreme content or hate speech on foreign-based social media platforms can potentially impact community harmony, public safety and national stability.
“All foreign social media platforms operating in Malaysia must adhere to local laws and remove adverse content when ordered to do so by the authorities.
“The MCMC will continue carrying out monitoring and enforcement action, besides holding engagements with platform providers, to ensure regulatory efforts do not impair freedom of speech,” he said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.
Fahmi said MCMC works closely with other enforcement agencies, including the police, in the removal of social media content, blocking web pages and providing technical support to hasten the investigation process for extremist and hate speech content.
Besides Act 588, Fahmi said there were other legal provisions that could be used when investigating case facts.
He said Act 866 was drafted to improve online safety in Malaysia and impose greater accountability on licensed service providers.
Fahmi said Act 866 came into force on Jan 1 along with several other subsidiary laws.
“Part of these subsidiary laws are being completed by the MCMC and are expected to be enforced in the second quarter of the year,” he said in response to Kampar MP Chong Zhemin, who wanted to know the policy on regulation of foreign social media platforms’ management of extreme and hate speech content.
On another matter, speaking at the Communications Ministry monthly assembly, Fahmi said the redemption process for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative has been running smoothly since it was first credited on Monday.
“Sara can be used until Dec 31 of this year. It began without any problems. In fact, this time the variety of available products is greater than before, including frozen goods.
“The number of participating outlets has also increased to 10,000 premises, including grocery stores,” he said, Bernama reported.
Later, at the launch of Ultra5G in-building coverage at KLIA Terminal 1, Fahmi said the rollout of 5G coverage at six of the country’s main transport hubs was a strategic move to support the digital transformation agenda, strengthen economic growth, and enhance Malaysia’s image as a tourist destination.
He said one of the government’s key objectives, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, is to ensure visitors form positive impressions of the country’s Internet connectivity, hospitality and tourist attractions.
“The 5G in-building coverage deployed at these six hubs will be a game changer not only for travellers but also for staff, retailers and operations, enabling greater efficiency and productivity through advanced connectivity,” he said.
Fahmi also said 5G adoption in Malaysia has surged significantly from about 4.7 million users two years ago to 28 million as of December 2025, reflecting strong acceptance of the next-generation network technology.
