CYBERJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been instructed to take stern action against social media platforms following issues that have affected the public, including the dissemination of fake news and cyberbullying.
This, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said, was as issues affecting the lives of the public are increasing daily and that some situations have led to suicide.
"Such situations are increasing daily, from the spread of fake news to becoming scam victims and the most recent is a cyberbullying case which has caused an individual to commit suicide.
"In front of the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and the Chief Secretary to the Government (Tan Sri Zuki Ali), Tan Sri (Salim Fateh Din) (MCMC chairman), I ask you to do something.
"From now on, all social media platforms must be held accountable and God willing, we will take very stern actions (regarding this) within the next few days so wait for it.
"The government is doing this for the safety of all, especially for our children and families and that government intends to ensure that the Internet is not only cheaper and more accessible, faster, but also safer for us to benefit from," he said in his speech at the launch of the National Month and Fly Jalur Gemilang 2024 celebrations today.
Last week, Fahmi said the Cabinet had agreed to establish a special committee to address issues of cyberbullying in the country.
Fahmi, who is also the unity government spokesman, said the committee will involve the Communications Ministry, Home Ministry, Digital Ministry and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
He said the committee would also be supported by a special team involving the MCMC, the police and the Attorney-General's Chambers.