KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no intention of banning TikTok or any other social media platform, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
While acknowledging the decisions by several countries, including India and the United States, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said every country had its own consideration.
"For now, we have no plans to shut down any social media platform.
"I believe that better cooperation is needed between social media platform providers, as well as laws that are more comprehensive and aligned with current needs," he said in reply to an additional question from Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat).
Onn had asked if the government planned to ban TikTok like what other countries had done.
Fahmi said the use of these platforms could help the country's economy and the people can also benefit from it.
"However, we are looking at several measures, including matters related to security, such as online services for children to be better managed, as well as issues with pornographic material and the sale of inappropriate products," he said.
Earlier, in his reply to a question from Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau), Fahmi said most social media platforms have age restrictions, where only those aged 13 and above were allowed to register accounts.
"To ensure compliance with this requirement, parents or guardians are responsible for monitoring and supervising their children's online activities.
"This is because children can still benefit from positive content while browsing social media together with their parents or guardians."
He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission had investigated 38 cases related to pornographic content from Jan 1 last year to March 1 this year, under Section 23 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
"A total of 18 cases are still under investigation. Two cases received warning notices and 18 others were classified as no further action or no offence stated, as the materials had been deleted or removed."