KUALA LUMPUR , AUGUST 4 - Under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), the Application Service Provision Class License applies exclusively to internet and social media messaging service providers.

Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin, Deputy Managing Director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), clarified that this regulation does not affect individual users of these platforms.

"I understand the concerns of those who conduct business online using platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and others, but these users will not need a license. The licensing requirement is aimed at the platform providers themselves—Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube, and so forth."

"The licensing aims to safeguard consumers. We are using the period from August 1 to December 31, 2024, to develop comprehensive guidelines and ensure that service providers adhere to the required ethical standards."

He emphasized that the new licensing measures are designed to hold platform providers accountable, ensuring they cannot impose arbitrary conditions or allow harmful content without considering user protection.

"This step is crucial as we address the various issues present on social media platforms, and we want to ensure that platform providers are held responsible for their actions," he added.

Datuk Zulkarnain said this on Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme, RTM.