Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has affirmed its unwavering commitment to combat provocative content on social media platforms.
Following recent events involving the inappropriate use of religious symbols, MCMC has collaborated closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to track down and prosecute individuals responsible for disseminating provocative content.
The commission emphasised that it will not tolerate any compromise or concession when it comes to addressing such egregious acts.
MCMC has issued a stern warning to all parties to cease the spread of provocations and refrain from making comments that incite racial, religious, or royal tensions on social media platforms.
According to statistics provided by MCMC, there has been a significant increase in harmful content across social media and Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.
In 2023, 35,490 pieces of harmful content were removed, with an additional 27,115 removed in just the first two months of this year. Such harmful content includes hate speech, scams, illicit sales, gambling, and fake news.
This proliferation of harmful content poses a significant threat to social fabric and institutions in Malaysia. Since January 2023, a total of 2,004 pieces of hate speech content touching on racial, religious, and royal aspects that could potentially incite violence and discrimination have been removed. Additionally, 479 provocative pieces concerning racial, religious, and royal matters have been taken down since March 13th.
MCMC emphasised that any sharing of offensive or threatening content constitutes an offense under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998. Offenders may face a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
The commission urges the public to exercise responsibility and vigilance when using social media and to report any instances of provocative content promptly.
