KUALA LUMPUR: Social media platforms,Telegram and Tencent (WeChat) have begun the process of obtaining the required license to operate their platforms in the country.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement said this follows the licensing requirement which goes into effect on Jan 1, 2025 which aims to enhance online safety, user protection, and regulatory oversight for internet messaging service and social media service providers.
"MCMC commends both Telegram and Tencent for their commitment to comply with the licensing requirements. Both platforms are expected to meet the necessary requirements to operate in Malaysia soon," read the statement.
The communications regulator also said that the licensing framework is designed to foster a trusted and safe online environment by calling service providers to protect users, especially children and vulnerable groups.
"Malaysians will benefit from improved safety, better user experiences, and enhanced protection against harmful content."
It also reminded all service providers meeting the conditions for licensing to submit their applications promptly before the Dec 31 deadline.
"Failure to do so may result in regulatory actions to be initiated, which all parties are keen to avoid. MCMC is committed to providing guidance and support to service providers to ensure a smooth application process," it said.
Previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government has identified eight social media and online messaging platforms that will be required to obtain a licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 by next year.
He said the platforms included Meta's WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), Google's YouTube, Pavel Durov's Telegram, Tencent's WeChat, and ByteDance's TikTok.
He said these platforms had met the threshold of at least 8 million users in the country, and added that they were not being specifically targeted.