COMMUNICATIONS Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government is considering the proposal to develop a social media application specifically for Malaysians.

Speaking to reporters at the “Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin” rally last night, Fahmi said this was because some social media application providers are profiting off Malaysians but fail to ensure user safety.

“Last year, it was estimated that Facebook alone earned US$600 mil (RM2.7 bil) from Malaysia, but what have they done to ensure that the condition and use of their platform in Malaysia are safe?” Bernama reported the Lembah Pantai MP as saying.

“They lack commitment, so we need to study and assess the situation. It is not easy to develop our own social media platform but some countries have attempted it. We will look into it.”

According to Fahmi, he had also met with celebrity host Datuk Aznil Nawawi who had proposed the idea following Meta Platforms Inc.’s (Meta) recent action of removing social media postings related to Palestine.

During the meeting, he shared his views regarding social media usage that should be communicated to Aznil’s followers.

“I reminded him that children under 13 should not use social media and he agreed to convey this message to his fans,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said he will meet with Meta today in Putrajaya to discuss its removal of Palestine-related content from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s social media accounts.

He said the ministry will ensure that Meta does not remove any content related to yesterday’s rally.

“They have agreed to do so. I have provided a list of not only the prime minister’s Facebook account but also the official accounts of several media outlets,” he remarked.

“We will see whether they will follow through, but I believe they will keep their promise.” - Aug 5, 2024 

https://focusmalaysia.my/social-media-platform-for-malaysians-in-the-works/