{
  "id": 9570753,
  "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-9570753",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T13:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/24/mcmc-protects-online-users-not-political-tool-says-fahmi"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil clarified that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) does not serve as a political tool for restricting freedom of expression on social media. Instead, he emphasized that MCMC plays a crucial role in regulating the digital space to ensure public safety. Fahmi pointed out that misunderstandings often arise regarding the removal of content on platforms like Facebook, clarifying that it is not the minister or MCMC who makes such decisions, but the platforms themselves.\n\nHe explained that if individuals have concerns about cyberbullying, the dissemination of intimate images, scams, or other issues, they can make complaints to MCMC, which would then refer the matter to the platform providers for further action, in accordance with the platforms' community guidelines and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). Fahmi also highlighted that while MCMC has sent nearly half a million requests for content removal, only about 90% of these requests are typically fulfilled due to the actions of the platform providers, not MCMC.\n\nFahmi noted that all platform providers operating in the country have cooperated with the government, especially in addressing content related to racial, religious, and royal sensitivities, known as the 3Rs. However, for content like satire and mockery, platforms usually assert that the content does not contravene the law. Regarding his plans to enhance the safety of digital platforms for the public, Fahmi emphasized that the ministry's current priority is to foster cross-ministry collaboration to regulate the digital economy, particularly e-commerce.\n\nHe pointed out that as the minister overseeing the telco and courier sectors, they receive numerous complaints from shop owners due to the sale of goods without adequate quality control, at overly low prices, which has significantly impacted many traders, including Bumiputera traders. Fahmi stressed the importance of addressing these issues promptly to prevent a glut of products, especially electrical and electronic goods that do not meet Sirim standards, which could pose risks to consumers.",
  "summary": "The communications minister says it is up to the respective social media platforms whether to remove any content.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}