The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has stated that they have taken action against those who have misused social media this year. So far, there are 48 total court cases filed.
The total court cases filed this year marked a 66% increase to last year. In just the first 9 months of 2020 alone, MCMC has received 178 First Information Reports (FIRs) to do with social media misuse. In the whole of 2019, they just had 139 FIRs.
Of the 48 cases reported, 34 of them were listed as offences committed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Under those, 22 charges are to do with sharing or spreading pornographic content, 9 charges are for inappropriate content, and 3 charges are for spreading misinformation.
Whereas the other 14 were offences committed under the Penal code and Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. These offences include the possession of child pornography—which is currently being tried in court.
“The rise of the cases shows MCMC’s commitment towards tackling the issue of social media abuse amongst the people. The purpose is to create a safe and secure Internet environment,” said MCMC in their press statement.
The sharing or spreading fake, offensive and threatening content is an offence under the Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Upon conviction, offenders could receive a fine of no more than RM50,000 or one year’s imprisonment or both.
You can contact the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or MCMC to file complaints about social media abuse by emailing them at [email protected] You can also contact them on WhatsApp at 016 220 6262, and visit the MCMC Complaint Portal.
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