MCMC told to finalise 10 online safety instruments by year-end

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been urged to finalise 10 subsidiary instruments by the end of this year. So, what should you know about it?

For your information, this measure aims to ensure the effective enforcement of the Online Safety Act (ONSA) 2024, which came into force in July.

A new priority for MCMC

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stressed the importance of completing these instruments, which will define procedures, administrative frameworks, and mechanisms for classifying online harm.

“I’ve requested that the instruments be completed by year-end, if not earlier. ONSA has already been enforced since July, but for it to function effectively, these 10 instruments must be in place. That’s our priority now. What we want most is a safer online environment and reduced harm,”

That is what he said after attending the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly, which was also attended by its secretary-general, Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.

Moreover, Fahmi highlighted the growing misuse of deepfake technology, pointing to a recent case involving a renowned economist:

“For example, Prof Jomo Kwame Sundaram’s image was misused on Facebook, even though he has no connection to the account in question,” he noted.

With instruments such as the proposed Online Safety Code, social media platforms would be barred from hosting or tolerating harmful or misleading content, including impersonations and deepfakes.

What's next?

Moreover, the minister said the Law Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had also written to him, calling for the accelerated implementation of ONSA.

Earlier, Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching said the 10 subsidiary instruments, which include regulations and codes of practice, were expected to be completed between Q4 2025 and Q2 2026, depending on their complexity and readiness.

As of now, there are no further details on the news. So, we should wait for more news and announcements from the authority.

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