CYBERJAYA: Social media and online messaging system providers have expressed their willingness to be licensed, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
"I just returned from Singapore where I met several platform providers. They are prepared to be licensed and understand that Malaysia is a very important market," he told reporters after the launch of Sidang Anak Muda K2K today.
Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has not received any applications yet from social media and online messaging platforms.
The application process began yesterday.
On July 27, the MCMC announced that social media and online messaging platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia must apply for a licence from August 1.
The MCMC said that this requirement is part of a new regulatory framework aimed at ensuring a safer online ecosystem.
The licence requirement will be enforced starting Jan 1 next year.
Meanwhile, when asked if Malaysia would follow certain countries in banning platforms for failing to comply with regulations, Fahmi said the government had no intention of doing so.
"We do not intend to shut down or suspend any platforms.
"Each country has the right to implement measures they deem appropriate in accordance with their laws and regulations.
"In Malaysia, we are open to platforms as long as they adhere to our regulations, especially those related to the prevention of crime."
Fahmi said criminals were increasingly using social media to carry out crimes including scams.
"For example, there have been attempts to sell babies on TikTok. Only after being questioned did they (TikTok) begin to take action."
To beef up online security, Fahmi said the government will also introduce several laws, including an Online Safety Act and launch an online safety campaign.