KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF) has called for a level regulatory playing field across all platforms to ensure the sustainable growth of Malaysia's media and advertising industries, which are vital to nation-building and fostering a safe digital ecosystem.
In a statement, CMCF said an uneven playing field between licensed, regulated entities and unlicensed, unregulated digital platforms has created challenges that threaten the objectives towards nation-building and fostering a safe digital ecosystem.
"Digital platforms, such as social media and instant messaging services, operate within the same content and advertising spaces but are not subject to local governance frameworks.
"Furthermore, these platforms often enjoy significant financial advantages, such as reduced tax obligations and fewer compliance costs, giving them an outsized edge over local players.
"This lack of regulatory parity not only distorts competition but also impacts the broader societal and economic fabric," it said.
CMCF chief executive officer (CEO) Mediha Mahmood said such collaboration is key to building a balanced and inclusive digital ecosystem.
"As the government builds essential frameworks, the Content Forum is dedicated to supporting these efforts through self-regulation, involving industry stakeholders and consumers alike.
"We encourage digital platforms to collaborate in these initiatives, as their involvement helps align our content policies with international best practices, ensures compliance with Malaysia's laws, and upholds the unique needs of our community."
CMCF also said the value of creating an equal playing field extends far beyond industry-specific concerns.
From an economic perspective, it said that ensuring all players abide by the same rules fosters healthy competition, drives innovation and encourages investments in quality content creation.
"Traditional media companies and advertisers that invest heavily in compliance, quality control, and ethical standards deserve a level of fairness to compete effectively.
"Moreover, local businesses contribute significantly to national revenue through taxes, while unregulated global platforms often escape similar contributions, reducing their economic accountability."
CMCF member Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan, who is also the Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM) chairman said that ensuring consistent regulations across all media platforms is essential for protecting public trust and safety.
"A fair and regulated media landscape is not just an industry concern, but a societal imperative. When some platforms operate without proper oversight, it undermines the standards that filmmakers work hard to uphold and expose the public to harmful or misleading content.
"For the growth of the industry and a more informed society, it's essential that all media platforms adhere to the same standards. This ensures that the content we consume, from films to digital media, is trustworthy, safe, and of the highest quality."
CMCF added that the country's forthcoming governance framework for regulating digital platforms marks a welcome step toward addressing these disparities.
"It reflects a commitment to ensuring that all players—regardless of platform—are held to fair and transparent regulations, a crucial move for creating an industry that meaningfully contributes to the nation's economy, societal growth, and digital safety."