Telegram and WeChat are both working towards securing the necessary official licences to operate in Malaysia, according to a press statement from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) released on 26 December.
The MCMC acknowledged the efforts of Telegram and Tencent, the parent company of WeChat, in striving to meet the licensing requirements. The statement noted that both platforms are expected to fulfil the necessary conditions for operation in Malaysia in the near future.
Photo via Malay Mail
The new social media licensing regulations, set to take effect on 1 January 2025, are aimed at improving online safety and user protection on messaging and social media platforms. This new framework prioritises the protection of vulnerable users, such as children, while ensuring that all Malaysians benefit from a safer and more enjoyable online experience, free from harmful content.
Under the new rules, any social media or messaging platform with at least eight million users will be required to apply for a government licence. The MCMC has urged all such platforms to submit their applications by 31 December 2024, warning that failure to do so may lead to regulatory actions, which it hopes to avoid.
The commission also reiterated its commitment to offering guidance and support throughout the application process, ensuring a smooth transition for all parties involved.
Earlier in August, major companies such as Google, Meta, X, Apple, Amazon, and Grab had called on the Malaysian government to delay its plans to introduce social media licensing.
