MCMC has responded to the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) open statement titled ‘RSF denounces arbitrary suspension of news websites critical of the government,’ arguing that action taken by the regulator is not to stifle freedom of the press but to ensure that the dissemination of information is done responsibly and without the spread of slander or misinformation.
It added as the regulatory body for the communications and multimedia industry in Malaysia, the agency operates under the provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998) with one of the key national policy objectives of
is to provide the people of Malaysia with protection from the adverse effects of online harm, including misinformation and hate speech, as well as safeguard the integrity of constitutional monarch and democratic institutions with reverence and
respect from any attempts to incite hatred or contempt.
The responsibility is also to prevent the misuse of online platforms for committing offenses under Malaysian laws. With the increasing prevalence of online information, there has been a rise in irresponsible and inaccurate reporting. Some news outlets have been found intentionally spreading misleading information or publishing inaccurate content, which can harm
community harmony.
To address these issues, MCMC said it has the authority and duty to take regulatory action against the spread of fake, offensive, and menacing content. However, the commission said it is open to dialogue and regularly engages with senior editors and journalists to address concerns and issues related to freedom of expression.
