{
  "id": 9562888,
  "title": "MCMC protects online users, not political tool, says Fahmi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/mcmc-protects-online-users-not-political-tool-says-fahmi-9562888",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T13:48:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1540389/mcmc-protects-online-users-not-political-tool-says-fahmi"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has stated that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is not a political tool used to limit freedom of expression, especially on social media. Instead, MCMC's role is to regulate platforms to ensure public safety in the digital space.\n\nA common misunderstanding is that MCMC decides to remove content from platforms like Facebook. However, it is the platforms themselves that make such decisions. Fahmi emphasized that MCMC is a tool for the safety of the people, and if citizens want MCMC services, the commission should provide them.\n\nMCMC receives complaints about various issues, including cyberbullying, the spread of intimate images, scams, and more. If someone submits a complaint to MCMC, it does not necessarily mean the content will be removed. Only the platform providers, such as Facebook or TikTok, can review the content and take action if it violates laws.\n\nFahmi highlighted that MCMC sends out nearly half a million requests for content removal, but only about 90% of those requests are fulfilled, as it depends on the platform provider's decision. The commission collaborates with various ministries, particularly the Finance Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, to address issues related to the digital economy, especially e-commerce. The priority is to ensure quality and safety in products sold online, particularly electrical and electronic goods that meet Sirim standards to protect consumers.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The government has never used the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as a political tool to restrict anyone’s freedom of expression, particularly on social media, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "MCMC, PDRM actively combating online child sexual exploitation – Fahmi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/mcmc-pdrm-actively-combating-online-child-sexual-exploitation-fahmi",
        "published": "2026-09-24T09:21:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "MCMC protects online users, not political tool, says Fahmi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/mcmc-protects-online-users-not-political-tool-says-fahmi",
        "published": "2026-09-24T11:30:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}