He said the measure could address the rising cases of cybercrime, including the use of fake accounts on social media to spread negative perceptions about the government.

“It is a step to ensure no one uses fake accounts to create negative perceptions, so they don’t hide behind others and use these accounts for cyberbullying,” he said here today.

In a statement yesterday, MCMC said all social media and internet messaging services currently having at least eight million registered users in the country must apply for a class licence for application service provision under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

This measure will take effect on Jan 1, 2025, following the introduction of a new regulatory framework starting Aug 1.

Zahid said users who do not breach ethics and use social media accounts responsibly need not be afraid.

“What is there to fear if social media is used to speak the truth and reveal true identities?

“Many countries do not use the current social media channels. For example, China has its own way, and Singapore also registers (social media), so every netizen is responsible for what they write, not throw stones and hide their hands. That is cowardly,” he said.

The Umno president also agreed with the steps to amend or enact new laws to combat cyberbullying and to introduce harsher punishments.

“What happened recently, leading to death, is very sad. When brought to court, the existing laws do not provide commensurate punishment.

“We do not blame the court in this matter, but the law only stipulates a token fine. This needs to be amended so that harsher punishments can be imposed on those who commit cyberbullying,” he said.