KUALA LUMPUR: Police have welcomed the announcement of a new regulatory framework requiring social media and online messaging platforms with at least more than eight million users to apply for a licence.

Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said this was because law enforcement officers they had long struggled with inadequate laws to curb for addressing commercial crimes.

"However, police will work closely with both domestic and international agencies to gather intelligence and investigate cybercrime.

"Where there are criminal elements involved, we will investigate in accordance with the available laws," he told the New Straits Times yesterday (July 27).

Ramli added that a synergistic approach and coordinated efforts with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had always been their methods to ensure compliance and address violations.

In a statement, MCMC said social media and online messaging platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia must apply for a licence from the government starting Aug 1.

It said this is part of a new regulatory framework to ensure a safer online ecosystem.

MCMC said the licence requirement will be enforced from Jan 1, next year.

MCMC had stated that the regulatory framework was in line with the cabinet's decision requiring social media and online messaging platforms to comply with Malaysian laws and combat cybercrime.

This included scams and online fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children. 

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1082689/ccid-chief-hails-licensing-move-curb-cybercrime