People who make offensive, intimidating or rude comments will face severe action

PUTRAJAYA: The government will take strict action against people who post abusive, intimidating and rude comments on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.

Speaking at the Communications Ministry’s monthly meeting today, he also revealed that immoral and intimidating statements had been made, including death threats against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in the United States, some immoral and criminally intimidating statements were spread via WhatsApp.

“Some said that those who should have been shot were not just there (in the US). They suggested a threat of violence, a criminal threat, a death threat against the prime minister. It’s OK to disagree, but you can’t go to extremes. This is outrageous,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said he would soon meet with editors-in-chief of the Malaysian media industry after extreme comments about the news were posted on their respective social media platforms.

“I share some firm and strong views because I support the King’s (His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim’s) decree. Even the Cabinet wanted to take strict measures to maintain public order, including on social media,” he said.

Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim had reminded the public not to make social media platforms into arenas for arguing and shaming others as this would only lead to division and conflict.

His Majesty also warned against extremism, particularly in relation to race and religion.

Furthermore, Fahmi said that the existence of fake accounts on social media platforms is extremely worrying as it can disturb social peace.

“…what is most frightening is that some Malaysians believe they can behave as they please and hide behind fake accounts. This is dangerous and detrimental to public order,” he said.

Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)’s investigation into Sinar Harian and Astro Awani’s TikTok live sessions revealed 18 accounts that posted comments that violated the law.

“Twelve of the 18 accounts were identified as fake accounts, while six other account holders were identified along with their phone numbers and addresses.

“I have asked the MCMC to act immediately and decisively and cooperate with the Attorney General’s Office and the Royal Malaysia Police to investigate this matter. I think it is high time to better address the issue of fake accounts,” he said.

Fahmi also called on social media platform operators to take more responsibility in curbing cyberbullying, online gambling advertising and abusive comments.

“We want social media to take more responsibility, especially when it comes to cyberbullying incidents that result in suicide, injury, destruction, etc. These platforms cannot simply wash their hands of guilt. This includes online gambling advertisements that are prevalent on platforms like Facebook,” he said.

Fahmi also urged parents to ensure that their children under the age of 13 do not open their own social media accounts, as some content is not suitable for them.

“It is not a problem if children view social media content from our (parent) accounts, but make sure the content they view is appropriate for their age,” he added.