Communications and digital minister, Fahmi Fadzil, said a meeting was held between his deputy, Teo Nie Ching, and TikTok representatives last Thursday, where the ministry received basic information about the platform’s demographics and the goods sold on it.
“I have asked for follow-up discussions because we need detailed information.
“We will then discuss with other ministries and agencies because the jurisdiction of the ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is mainly to regulate network usage.
“There are other matters that fall under the jurisdiction of the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, and the entrepreneur development and cooperatives ministry.
“We will hold these discussions before we finalise on what the government can do,” Fahmi said after presenting Deepavali contributions to 1,000 Indian families in Lembah Pantai.
On Oct 7, Fahmi said the government was looking into the action taken by the Indonesian government to ban e-commerce transactions on TikTok before devising appropriate measures in this country.
According to Fahmi, he had received complaints from members of the public who had expressed concern over Indonesia’s action against TikTok Shop.
At the same time, several large stores had also raised issues related to price competition for products sold through the platform.
Fahmi said MCMC had also held discussions with TikTok operators after receiving complaints from certain parties who were restricted from going live on the platform to discuss the Palestinian issue.
“But, in my opinion, TikTok’s response to the matter was embarrassing … if that is their answer, it is not a good sign.
“MCMC also expressed several regulatory concerns. So, I have asked for one final meeting with TikTok before we make our decisions.”
Fahmi also said that although the ministry had received cooperation from TikTok, they had yet to appoint representatives in Malaysia.
“Now, we have to wait for their officials from Singapore, the Philippines and other places, which is not conducive for us.
“This cannot go on because it is causing delays. As I have said earlier, the government, specifically the ministry and MCMC, is looking into ways to enhance regulations,” he said.