Asian AngleWhy Malaysia’s new social media licences are disconcerting

Previously, social media and internet-messaging providers were exempt from licensing requirements under the Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemption) Order 2000. This new framework, in mandating licences for platforms that meet the user threshold, signals a departure from that hands-off approach. While the licensing goals appear to promote proactive digital governance, the framework has sparked debate over its potential impact on freedom of expression, fairness and feasibility of implementation.

The feeble parliamentary vote of December 9, which saw 59 MPs supporting the legislative amendment, 40 opposing, and one abstaining – with 122 MPs absent from the Dewan Rakyat – underscored the contentious nature of the policy and reflected divisions even within the ruling coalition.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which is responsible for implementing the policy, has stressed that platform self-regulation has been inadequate in mitigating rising digital threats in Malaysia. For instance, during the 2022 general election, racially charged content spread widely across social media, posing significant challenges in a diverse society like Malaysia.