KUALA LUMPUR: The Content Forum has invited influencers and stakeholders to actively engage in policy discussions, following Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil's call for influencers to exercise self-regulation and uphold content responsibly.
Its chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood said this approach aligned with global trends, where industries and communities regulate themselves based on established standards.
She believed that those affected by the policies should have a voice in shaping them.
Moving forward, Content Forum plans to gather input from influencers through Requests for Comment after the second quarter.
This, Mediha said, would ensure that their perspectives were central to developing a comprehensive and easily understandable document.
"By actively involving influencers in this process, we aim to produce a handbook that resonates with their needs, facilitating greater adherence to ethical guidelines," Mediha said in a statement today.
She said Content Forum is currently laying the groundwork for the development of an influencer handbook in collaboration with influencers and key opinion leaders.
"The handbook will serve as a simplified guideline, providing clarity and accessibility on relevant provisions concerning the Content Code.
"Governed by the Content Code, we have implemented robust mechanisms, including the complaints bureau, to ensure compliance among broadcasters and advertisers.
"Our ongoing collaboration with the government and influencers reflects our dedication to fostering a safer online environment through responsible content creation," she said.
On Feb 4, Fahmi reminded influencers to self-regulate and be careful when handling podcasts or uploading content on social media so as not to have a negative impact on the community.
He said the government would also carry out monitoring from time to time and study any action that needed to be taken against those who upload non-constructive content.
Fahmi also called on parents to monitor the social media content received by their children so that they would not be easily influenced.
Fahmi had asked teachers and the Parents and Teachers Association to inform parents and primary school children to be careful with what they get from social media, including podcasts and the TikTok platform, so as not to be easily influenced.
He said his ministry would soon coordinate with the Education Ministry for joint actions.
In response to Fahmi's call for parents to monitor social media content received by their children, Content Forum is also actively focused on promoting digital literacy and encouraging responsible online behaviour, especially involving content that concerns children.
Mediha said awareness and parental guidance were crucial in safeguarding children from potentially harmful content.
"To strengthen child online protection in Malaysia, we propose the development of a comprehensive framework and national action plan that incorporates legal measures, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with tech companies.
"We believe that a multi-stakeholder approach involving parents, educators and children is vital for creating an inclusive and effective framework," she said.