KUALA LUMPUR, August 1 -The government’s implementation of Applications Service Provider Class licence is a necessary step.
The government, through the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has developed this measure under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
Senior Lecturer, Big Data Coordinator, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Dr. Syaril Nizam Omar said that this measure, starting January 1, 2025, can control and curb actions that incite hatred, provocations, slander and insults toward certain individuals.
Dr. Syaril Nizam Omar explained that this effort can protect the country’s image, which is known for its diverse ethnicities as well as politeness and good manners.
“I see the benefits that the people and the government will gain from this social media licensing, is similar to the benefits that we will get when the government provides safe services. We want an environment that is healthy and safe for us to live in. We do not want to live in fear.”
“Hence, this effort is good for the people and the government in ensuring the harmony and the well-being of the people are preserved. This is also enshrined in the Federal Constitutions in which we do not want to be in a threatened situation,” Dr. Syaril Nizam Omar said in an exclusive interview with an RTM reporter today.
In addition, Dr. Syaril Nizam Omar said that it is necessary to be carried out because other countries around the world have also implemented controls on social media services to face the current challenges, including the demographic aspects of its population.
At the same time, it also has an impact on the people’s socio economic development including politics.
Previously, on July 27, MCMC in a statement informed that all social media and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for the Applications Service Provider Class licence under Act 588.
“This measure will take effect on January 1, 2025, following the new regulatory framework for social media and internet messaging services introduced starting August 1,” the statement said.