The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been ordered to meet e-commerce platforms over concerns about the online sale of drugs, including fentanyl and substances known as “piu-piu”.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said he received a message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about the increasingly worrying trend.
“I have instructed MCMC to hold a meeting with one of the platforms believed to be involved in the misuse of its network, allowing drugs such as fentanyl or what is referred to as ‘piu-piu’ to be sold in Malaysia.
“From now on, the MCMC chairman and his team must be fair but act firmly,” he said.
Fahmi was speaking at the opening session of a Strategic Cooperation Workshop involving the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development’s (KKDW) Rural Community Centres (PKD) and National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) here today.
The session was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and was also attended by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang and MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.
Fahmi said efforts to expand internet access, particularly in rural areas, must be accompanied by measures to ensure communication networks remain safe and are used responsibly.
He warned that the misuse of e-commerce platforms to sell drugs could affect not only young people but also expose rural communities to the problem.
“We provide good internet access and equip it with PKD and NADI facilities because we want to bridge the gap between rural, suburban and urban areas.
“But if these communication networks are not safe and users are not sufficiently aware or digitally literate to protect themselves, drug sales can spread everywhere,” he said.
Fahmi added that online scams and other forms of abuse could also proliferate if users’ digital safety and literacy were not strengthened.
Meanwhile, he said efforts to strengthen cooperation between NADI and PKD reflected the Government’s emphasis on synergy, optimising resources and delivering services that benefit the people.
Fahmi said NADI had evolved beyond simply providing computers and internet access, becoming community information and empowerment centres that connect people with skills, opportunities and Government services.
“There are 191 PKDs under KKDW, equipped with facilities, resources and networks within their respective communities.
“With the strengths of PKD and NADI, I believe there is significant room for both to complement and strengthen service delivery to the people.
“This is the spirit of a ‘whole-of-government’ approach that we need to translate into action. It is not about who owns a particular facility, but how available Government facilities and resources can be fully utilised for the benefit of the people,” he said.
