Members of Parliament have voiced support for the implementation of the Deeming Provision, which will require large Internet messaging and social media platforms to comply with Malaysia’s existing regulatory framework to strengthen online safety, particularly for children.

Under Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, platforms with eight million or more users in Malaysia will be automatically deemed registered as licence holders from January 1, 2026. Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said the move is necessary to close a long-standing regulatory gap, noting that major platforms exert significant influence, generate revenue from the Malaysian market, yet remain insufficiently accountable for user safety.

The measure aims to enhance legal protections against cyber fraud, child exploitation, harmful content, and misinformation, while enabling more effective cooperation between authorities and platform providers. It also supports the government’s broader plan to restrict social media access for children.

Syahredzan emphasised that the provision is not meant to restrict social media use but to ensure that large digital companies take responsibility proportionate to their influence. He added that implementation must be transparent, carefully managed, and supported by strong appeal mechanisms and checks and balances to prevent potential abuse of regulatory power.

Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman echoed the support, describing the provision as a progressive step to ensure ethical and safe online environments, especially for children. She noted that it would also assist enforcement of the planned ban on social media accounts for users under 16.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the provision will apply to platforms that meet the criteria, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Source: Bernama