Fahmi: WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube among platforms required to obtain licences under new licensing rules Posted on 20/12/2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 — The government has named eight major social media and messaging platforms that must obtain licences under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 by next year, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has confirmed. According to the New Straits Times (NST), Fahmi stated that the eight platforms are WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Telegram, WeChat, and TikTok. Fahmi explained that these platforms have at least eight million users in Malaysia, meeting the threshold for licensing, but stressed that the move was not meant to single them out. He told NST that the ministry is in discussions with the platforms to highlight the importance of compliance, though some have raised concerns about potential impacts on innovation and the challenge of setting up local offices. Fahmi said he remained confident, citing the substantial revenue these platforms earn from the Malaysian market as justification for adhering to local laws. Using Meta as an example, he said the company generates around RM2.5 billion annually from advertising in Malaysia. Additionally, over RM400 million has reportedly been lost by Malaysians to scams on Meta’s Facebook, which accounts for 90 per cent of the 180,000 gambling and fraud-related articles removed by the government. “What makes you (platform providers) so extraordinary or special that you can make money from us, but our laws don’t apply to you?” he was quoted as saying. Fahmi noted positive engagement with platforms like Telegram and Google, adding that discussions with Meta are in the pipeline. He emphasised that the goal is to make the Internet safer for children and families. News
Flood situation shows signs of recovery, number of evacuees at relief centres declines, says DPM Zahid Posted on 02/12/2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 — The nationwide flood situation is beginning to show signs of recovery, with the number of evacuees at temporary relief centres (PPS) seeing a downward trend, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman,… Read More
Firefighters in Malibu hope for momentum against stubborn blaze Posted on 13/12/2024 The wildfire, known as the Franklin Fire, was 7% contained as it burned in rough terrain. (AP pic) CHICAGO: Nearly 2,000 firefighters battling a wildfire in Malibu, California, hope to maintain their momentum today against a stubborn blaze that has destroyed several structures in the beach community, home to many… Read More
Wakil rakyat kerajaan cadang naik cukai keuntungan syarikat besar 3% Posted on 04/12/2024 Ahli Parlimen Pasir Gudang Hassan Karim berkata gaji rakyat tidak besar malah tidak sampai 40% hasil diperoleh sesebuah syarikat yang mempunyai keuntungan besar. KUALA LUMPUR: Seorang Ahli Parlimen kerajaan mencadangkan cukai keuntungan terhadap syarikat besar dinaikkan daripada 24% kepada 27%. Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) berkata, kenaikan itu sangat penting demi… Read More