Malaysia is stepping up pressure on social media platforms to tighten user verification, with providers advised to adopt electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) checks using official documents such as MyKad, passports or MyDigital ID.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the move aims to curb online fraud, investment scams and the sale of prohibited goods, while preventing under-13s from opening social media accounts.
“For now, we are encouraging it, but once the Online Safety Act takes effect at the end of this year or early next year, it will become mandatory,” Fahmi told reporters.
He noted that major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram and TikTok have yet to implement a robust eKYC system.
Fahmi shared that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will also coordinate a meeting in Singapore with Meta and TikTok in the coming weeks, alongside the police, Attorney General’s Chambers, National Anti-Financial Crime Centre and Finance Ministry. Key issues include eKYC implementation and tackling the sale of drug-laced vape liquids on social media.
