ByteDance (TikTok) and Tencent (WeChat), two major corporations from China, have become the first companies to be granted licences to operate in Malaysia.
According to a report by Harian Metro, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) stated that these two companies are among the four major providers of internet messaging and social media services to comply with the government’s regulatory requirements, effective 1 January 2025.
Photo via Sinar Harian
Meanwhile, Telegram is the latest social media platform approved to operate under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
The Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, revealed that Meta, which manages Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has also initiated the process to obtain a licence, expected to be finalised soon.
“Tencent has been granted the Class Application Service Provider Licence (ASP(C)), making it the first licensed service provider under the licensing requirements for internet messaging and social media providers. This was followed by ByteDance.
“X stated that its user base in Malaysia does not meet the threshold of eight million users required. However, MCMC is actively reviewing the accuracy of this user data and will continue engagement sessions to evaluate X’s position,” he added.
MCMC also disclosed that Google had raised concerns regarding YouTube’s video-sharing features and their classification under the Licensing Framework.
“MCMC has addressed the issues raised and will ensure that YouTube and all relevant platform providers are clearly informed of their duties and responsibilities to comply with the Licensing Framework already in effect,” the commission stated.
The commission further emphasised that it will assess the status of platform providers that have yet to acquire the required licences and consider appropriate action under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
It warned that platform providers found violating licensing requirements could face investigations and regulatory action.
“These licensing requirements reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening online safety, enhancing user protection—especially for children and vulnerable groups—and improving regulatory oversight for service providers operating in Malaysia.
“MCMC commends service providers taking proactive steps towards compliance and underscores the importance of adhering to licensing requirements. These efforts are vital in creating a safer online environment for all Malaysians,” the statement added.
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Posted by Jabatan Penerangan WPKL on Sunday 4 August 2024
Earlier, in August 2024, MCMC announced that all social media and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for the Class Application Service Provider Licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
