He said this was conveyed during his recent engagement sessions and meetings with several of these companies in Singapore.
As of now, he said, none of them have submitted any application for a licence.
“We have not yet received any applications because we only announced the regulatory framework on licensing for social media services on Aug 1.
“Currently, we are in the engagement process. I just returned from Singapore after meeting with all the platforms.
“Based on my meetings and discussions, I am confident they have expressed their readiness in principle to be licensed,” he told reporters after officiating a youth event in Puchong today.
On July 27, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that all social media and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for an Applications Service Provider (ASP) class licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
This regulation will take effect from Jan 1, 2025, following the introduction of a new regulatory framework for social media services starting Aug 1. This requirement, however, does not apply to users of these platforms.
Fahmi said social media and messaging service providers are generally prepared for the new regulations introduced by the government.
“They are prepared and understand that Malaysia is a significant market. Malaysians, on average, consume 30 to 50 GB of data per month, which is substantial compared with other countries,” he added.
When asked if the government has any plan to shut down platforms that are not licensed, Fahmi said that there is no intention to close or suspend any platform as long as they comply with laws in the country.
He also revealed that criminal activities have shifted to cyberspace, with criminals using social media platforms to deceive Malaysians.
“For example, there have been attempts to sell babies on TikTok. When questioned, TikTok admitted they only recently begun taking action,” he said.
Apart from implementing licensing requirements, he announced that a nationwide online safety campaign will be launched soon.
“We will also draft new legislation, such as online safety laws and undertake other initiatives, including starting a roadshow. We want the public to use the Internet safely and responsibly, and we expect platform providers to be more accountable,” he said.