KUALA LUMPUR: Any content considered offensive on social media platforms could be taken down, despite not touching the 3R (Royal, Religion and Race) issues, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the content would be reviewed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in line with Act 588 (Section 233) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA).
"Some contents are taken down on social media platforms following complaints lodged by the public to MCMC.
"The content also does not necessarily need to be related to 3R, but anything that can be considered or interpreted as offensive based on Section 233 of Act 588 (of CMA).
"However, anyone whose content is removed can appeal to the MCMC and the (social) media platform itself. Once the review is complete, it (the content) can be restored, and there is no issue," he said during the minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat today.
Fahmi said this in response to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who enquired why some content made by certain parties that do not touch on the issue of 3R would be removed.
At the same time, Fahmi added that a similar incident had also occurred when a video of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's speech on TikTok was also removed as it was considered to have violated the platform's guidelines.
"For example, after the Malaysia rally for Palestine at Axiata, content containing the prime minister's speech was taken down.
"(And) when we asked TikTok for the reason (for pulling it down), they said the content had graphics violations as it contains excessive blood.
"However, there was none when MCMC and I reviewed the content, and it was re-uploaded when we consulted them."
On other matters, Fahmi added that MCMC was in the process of engaging with various parties for the amendment of CMA.
"MCMC is currently in the process of engaging with various parties (to amend) not only Section 233 but all sections (of CMA).
"This is because the Act was enacted in 1998, the year where the reformation movement began, and there have been many changes over the years, especially in regulatory aspects."