The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been given until the end of the year to complete 10 subsidiary instruments under the Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2024. Despite this, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has urged the regulator to accelerate the process.
Prior to this, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching had stated that the 10 instruments were identified and expected to be completed in stages. It was initially estimated that completion would fall between late 2025 and mid-2026, depending on complexity. However, Fahmi’s directive now calls for a much shorter timeline.
Speaking after the ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya, the comms minister said the Act, which came into effect in July, cannot be fully enforced without the instruments. These cover procedures, administrative frameworks, and mechanisms to classify online harms.
“I’ve requested that the timeline be brought forward, not just by year-end but preferably sooner. For the Act to function properly, it needs these 10 instruments in place,” Fahmi said. “Most importantly, we want to create a safer online environment and minimise harm.”
The comms minister cited the recent misuse of economist Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaram’s image on Facebook as an example of ongoing online crimes, including impersonation and deepfake abuse. Once measures such as the Online Safety Code are finalised, social media platforms will be legally required to restrict such content.
Fahmi also criticised MCMC for delays, saying the public expects firm action against platforms that enable fraud and exploitation. He added that the Law Minister, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, has written to him urging for rapid implementation.
(Source: Bernama)
