MCMC protects online users, not political tool, says Fahmi

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil affirmed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is dedicated to protecting online users, rather than serving as a political instrument to restrict freedom of expression, particularly on social media. According to Fahmi, MCMC's primary role is to regulate social media platforms in the country to ensure public safety in the digital realm.

He clarified that MCMC does not make decisions on content removal on platforms like Facebook. Instead, the removal of content is decided by the platform itself. Fahmi addressed concerns regarding cyberbullying, dissemination of intimate images, scams, and other issues, stating that MCMC should provide its services when people seek assistance.

When MCMC receives reports and complaints, they are forwarded to platform providers for further action in compliance with their community guidelines and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).

Fahmi elaborated on the process, explaining that if someone makes a complaint to MCMC, it does not guarantee the removal of content. The actual removal of content is done by the platform provider if they determine that the content violates the law. He provided an example, stating that while MCMC sends nearly half a million requests for content removal, only about 90% of the total are removed, as this action is carried out by the platform providers, not MCMC.

Regarding the protection of racial, religious, and royal sensitivities, Fahmi mentioned that all platform providers operating in the country have so far cooperated with the government. However, for issues like satire and mockery, platforms typically argue that the content does not violate the law. In terms of making digital platforms safer, Fahmi highlighted the ministry's current focus on cross-ministry collaboration to regulate the digital economy, especially e-commerce.

Fahmi emphasized that as he oversees the telco and courier sectors, the ministry receives complaints about goods being sold without adequate quality, insufficient monitoring, and at excessively low prices. These low prices have severely impacted many traders, including Bumiputera traders. To address this issue, Fahmi aims to collaborate with the finance and domestic trade and consumer affairs ministries to resolve the problem before it leads to a glut of substandard products, particularly electrical and electronic goods, that pose risks to consumers.