There is free speech in Malaysia, but that doesn’t mean you are free from consequences. Social media platforms are filled with false news, misinformation, and lies to sow disturbance, anxiety, and chaos among the people. But there are people watching what you are posting online, constantly.
The Star reported that Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) interim chairman, Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din asked netizens to stop spewing hate comments, particularly towards the royal family, races, and religions (3R), or risk fines and/or even jail time.
He called on everyone to respect the outcomes of the 15th General Election and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s selection of the 10th Prime Minister.
He said that MCMC will keep an eye out for anyone spreading false information, especially when it is related to 3R.
Any (content shared) which has false information and is threatening in nature is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with fines of RM50,000 or a year’s jail or both if convicted.
MCMC, Interim chairman, Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.
He also added that netizens can report offensive content to MCMC thru https://aduan.skmm.gov.my/ or at https://sebenarnya.my/salur/.
Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani also advised people not to incite conflict or any other provocation on social media and the police discovered social media content with racial or religious undertones and insults to the royal institution and they will take action to safeguard peace and public order.
