The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) does not directly regulate how social media platforms design their algorithms, instead placing the responsibility on licensed service providers to manage the risks posed by their own systems.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said Malaysia adopts a risk-based regulatory approach that requires licensed platforms to assess and manage the impact of their algorithms, particularly when it comes to the spread of unlawful or harmful content.
“MCMC places the responsibility on licensed service providers to assess and manage the impact of their systems, including taking reasonable steps to reduce the risk of algorithms amplifying harmful or illegal content,” she said.
Teo said this while responding to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli during Question Time in the Dewan Negara on Monday.
The senator had asked what measures the government could take to address algorithm manipulation by influencers that could threaten social harmony.
Teo explained that under the Risk Mitigation Code, licensed service providers are required to carry out risk assessments, including reviewing and adjusting their platform algorithms and content recommendation systems where necessary.
She added that MCMC will evaluate the Online Safety Plans submitted by each licensed service provider to determine whether their proposed risk mitigation measures comply with regulatory requirements and are effective in protecting users.
According to Teo, all licensed platforms have been given 180 days from the enforcement of the subsidiary legislation on 1 July to submit their Online Safety Plans.
“MCMC will review the plans at the end of the year to determine whether the measures proposed by licence holders are sufficiently robust,” she said.
Since 1 January 2026, internet messaging and social media platforms with eight million or more users in Malaysia have been required to hold a Class C Application Service Provider (ASP) Licence under Section 46A of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
