Individuals whose social media accounts are blocked or whose online content is removed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can file an appeal through a dedicated tribunal, Deputy Comms Minister Teo Nie Ching has confirmed. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Teo said disputes involving actions taken by the MCMC online could be reviewed by the Communications, Multimedia and Online Safety Appeal Tribunal.
According to her, the tribunal serves as an independent channel for individuals or parties seeking recourse against regulatory decisions made by the commission. “This is an ad hoc tribunal that is not chaired or heard by MCMC officers, but by a High Court judge together with at least two tribunal members,” she said.
Alternative To Court Proceedings
Teo was responding to questions regarding the options available to users whose social media accounts have been restricted or blocked. She added that the tribunal offers a more affordable alternative to conventional court proceedings, allowing complainants to seek redress without enduring lengthy legal processes.
The Deputy Minister also stressed that the MCMC operates independently and is not influenced by the executive branch. “Although I am a Deputy Minister and Datuk Fahmi Fadzil is the Communications Minister, we do not handle public complaints and are not involved in hearing or deciding MCMC cases,” she said.
Communications, Multimedia and Online Safety Appeal Tribunal
The Communications, Multimedia and Online Safety Appeal Tribunal was established under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) alongside provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The tribunal functions as an independent body tasked with reviewing decisions, written instructions, and directions issued by the MCMC.
Among the disputes that may be brought before the tribunal are appeals against content moderation or content removal actions, the suspension or blocking of social media accounts, as well as regulatory determinations and financial penalties imposed by the commission.
Individuals or entities intending to file an appeal must do so within 14 days from the date of the MCMC’s written decision. Appellants are also required to pay a processing fee, with Online Safety-related appeals carrying a fee of RM1,000. Parties involved may also choose to represent themselves, appoint employees, or engage an advocate and solicitor during proceedings.
ONSA 2025’s Harmful Content Categories
Under the Online Safety Act 2025, harmful online content is divided into nine categories, with two identified as priority harmful content that require urgent action from online platforms. These include child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and content related to financial fraud or online scams.
The remaining categories listed under the Act include obscene or indecent material, harassment and abusive communications, incitement to violence or terrorism, child self-harm content, material promoting hostility or public disorder, and content involving dangerous drugs. Readers seeking the full breakdown and definitions can refer to the official ONSA 2025 FAQ.
(Source: The Star / Comms Ministry / Federal Legislation)
