MCMC, Fahmi Fadzil, take action against social media users for content uploaded

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and communications minister Fahmi Fadzil are taking action against four social media users. 

One TikTok user, who goes by the handle @janggut_putih, is suspected of uploading content containing defamatory material. In the one-and-a-half-minute video, an individual alleged that the education ministry had forced parents and students to register for a debit card from an international bank. 

He had also used foul language when making the allegations. 

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In response, Fahmi said that the video was from 2019 and was uploaded by user to incite anger among the public. He added that the MCMC will track down the suspect and take action. 

Meanwhile, social media figures Badrul Hisham bin Shaharin (Chegubard), Mohamad Salim bin Iskandar (Salim Iskandar) and Wan Muhammad Azri bin Wan Deris (Papagomo) have been called by the MCMC to record statements. 

In a statement released by the agency, Chegubard and Salim Iskandar will have their statements recorded at MCMC's headquarters in Cyberjaya, while Papagomo will give his at the Setapak police station. 

The three social media figures are being called up in response to complaints regarding the uploading of content suspected to be violating provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [ACT 588], said MCMC in a statement. 

The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. If convicted, Chegubard, Salim Iskandar and Papagomo can be fined up to a maximum of RM50,000 or imprisoned for up to one year, or both. 

MCMC has also urged the public not to misuse network and online application services to disseminate misleading or fake news. 

Influencers in Malaysia have been under scrutiny in recent times. Earlier in February, Fahmi reminded influencers to take extra care when they handle podcasts or upload content on social media to prevent negative effects on the community.

He also said that the government will carry out periodic monitoring and study actions that may be taken against influencers who upload non-constructive content. 

Photo courtesy of Fahmi Fadzil (Facebook)

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