KUALA LUMPUR: Experts have called for enhanced efforts to tackle the increasing rate of cybercrimes, emphasising the need for closer collaboration with social media platform operators and the enactment of more stringent laws.
They also believe that with access to explicit content such as pornography now at a "critical level", it is time to get tougher on social media platforms that consistently refuse to comply with Malaysian laws.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, on Wednesday, said social media platform X was the least compliant with Malaysian laws, scoring only 25 per cent in the first half of the year due to issues like cyberbullying and pornographic content.
Telegram followed with 65 per cent and TikTok at 76 per cent.
He said the cabinet had agreed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Attorney-General's Chambers and the police would review these issues and take action.
Professor Dr Siti Aisyah Panatik Abdul Rahman from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said the availability and access to pornographic content on social media were at a critical level.
"Early exposure to pornography can disrupt the natural sexual development of children and adolescents. They may develop an incorrect understanding of sexual relationships and related social norms.
"Additionally, children and adolescents exposed to pornography can experience feelings of guilt, shame or anxiety because they lack the understanding of what they see."
This exposure, she said, could also negatively impact their academic performance as their focus and motivation to study would be disrupted.
"There has to be stricter action on social media platforms that continue to ignore Malaysian laws. Hopefully, this can protect our children from being exposed to unhealthy elements."
Cybersecurity expert C.F. Fong said social media was a breeding ground for criminal activities such as scams, child sexual exploitation and cyberbullying.
Fong, who is executive chairman of computer security service provider LGMS Bhd, said there was a need for the government to work closely with operators of social media platforms to enforce collaboration on investigations and the removal of harmful content.
Activist David Marshel expressed concern about the dangers posed by social media, which he believes are more significant than external crimes.
"Scams and bullying are among the most common complaints we have received over the past few years, but there is still a lack of strict regulation or control over social media platforms.
"As an activist who has assisted and continues to assist victims of social media platforms in critical situations, I have observed a range of cases, including deaths, resulting from social media in Malaysia," he said.
He suggested several measures, including mandatory submission of identification cards upon registration, ensuring social media platforms comply with data security requirements, and requiring the police and MCMC to diligently investigate complaints related to social media platforms.
"Social media platforms also have to provide user information to the police in criminal cases," he said.
Rawsec-Malaysia CyberSecurity Community secretariat Rauf Johari said the government could fortify detection and prevention mechanisms and better educate users about the risks associated with online scams and pornography.
"The use of advanced artificial intelligence detection tools and collaboration with child protection agencies and law enforcement are also essential," he said.
Rauf also said that the government must establish clear guidelines on prohibited content, such as material promoting violence or child exploitation, and ensuring users can freely express their opinions.