KUALA LUMPUR: The government will release the final version of the social media code of conduct by next week.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said his ministry had engaged with all social media platforms to obtain their feedback on the code of conduct.
"InshaAllah (God willing), this week or next week, we will release the code of conduct, and this will be the final version.
"We ask all social media platforms to register, failing which there will be legal consequences, such as fines or other legal actions," he said during a visit to Balai Berita today.
The code of conduct is a set of guidelines that social media platform providers must adhere to, such as being responsive to any complaints from users. Failure to do so would result in action being taken against them.
Fahmi reiterated that the move to regulate the platforms was solely aimed at curbing criminal activities that have transitioned to the platforms, not to restrict freedom or business operations.
"Our intention is to have them licensed, and secondly, for them to adhere to our regulations," he added.
He said no extension would be given on the deadline for these platforms to register.
Previously, the government said social media and online messaging platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia must apply for a license from the government beginning August 1.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the license requirement will be enforced from January 1, 2025.
Asked about the registration progress, Fahmi said he believed many platform operators were waiting for the code of conduct before taking the necessary steps.
"Many of them are waiting for the code of conduct, and some have inquired about it.
"They are also waiting for the tabling of the Online Safety Bill 2024, which will be presented in the upcoming parliamentary session," he said.
Fahmi also believed that other Asean countries would follow Malaysia's footsteps in regulating social media platforms.
"Asean is a large region with almost 700 million people, so it is a significant market. I am sure social media platforms understand this (the need to be licenced) and are ready to cooperate," he said.
Earlier, Fahmi spent about an hour visiting Media Prima Television Networks (MPTN), including TV3, 8TV, DidikTV, and TV9 studios, which had begun broadcasting from Balai Berita, Bangsar from Oct 21.