KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) stated it is still in discussions with Google regarding the social media licensing of YouTube.
"YouTube, under Google, claims that it is not a social media platform, but it has YouTube Shorts, which shares similarities with TikTok," Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said at an event in KL today (Jan 6).
MCMC said in a statement on Jan 2 that Google has raised issues about YouTube’s classification under the licensing framework.
"I hope this matter can be resolved soon. So far, only Google has yet to apply," he said.
Fahmi added that to date, three companies – namely ByteDance, Tencent, and Telegram – have secured the social media operating licence required under a new regulatory requirement that came into effect on Jan 1.
"Meta, which operates Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, still has some documents to submit, but we expect this matter to be resolved soon."
Meanwhile, X claimed it does not have the eight million subscribers required for the licensing application, but Fahmi stated that MCMC is still investigating this matter.
"That process is going to take some time," he added.
Fahmi said action will still be taken against platforms that don’t comply with orders to take down unlawful content such as scam videos, deepfakes or online gambling.
"Now they are required to take action proactively," he said.
Fahmi said MCMC has also agreed to provide RM3.37mil in funds to the Melaka state government for its Digital Village initiative.
"The initiative is the brainchild of Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, aimed at addressing the lack of clear and structured residential addresses in rural areas by leveraging geospatial mapping technology and QR codes to create a modern and uniformed address system," he said.
Ab Rauf said the initiative will improve access to utility services, delivery and emergency services.
"The state government aims to ensure that this fund is optimised to comprehensively upgrade the existing Digital Village System, including the addition of system modules, mobile applications, system integration, and other necessary enhancements," Ab Rauf said.
Fahmi added that Melaka is also seen as a testing ground for the implementation of the National Address System, which is expected to be the main system in managing over 12 million addresses in the country.
