MCMC Remains Sole Regulator Under Online Safety Act 2025 - Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The setting up of the Online Safety Committee will not diminish the authority of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as the primary and sole regulator under the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866), said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Instead, she said Act 866 strengthens MCMC’s mandate to lead investigations, enforcement and action against platforms that fail to protect users.

“MCMC’s powers remain intact, while the committee will only provide strategic analysis, technical data and expert input to support regulatory decisions.

“The checks-and-balances mechanism is strengthened to ensure decisions are transparent, evidence-based and do not undermine freedom of expression,” she said in a statement posted on X after chairing the Pro Tem Online Safety Committee meeting at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) today.

She said the Pro Tem Committee serves as a coordinating and advisory platform to identify online risks and harmful trends, and to provide technical input and policy recommendations for regulatory decisions.

Azalina said the committee will also conduct technical studies, expert analyses, and coordinate consultations with stakeholders, including industry, academia, technology experts and civil society groups, and submit policy proposals to regulators and policymakers.

“Before the Act is fully enforced, the Pro Tem Committee is tasked with setting strategic direction, policy priorities and governance frameworks to ensure smooth and evidence-based implementation,” she said.

Once the Act comes into force, the committee will be chaired by former Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim.

Today’s meeting also addressed AI or artificial intelligence-related threats such as deepfakes, discussed the committee’s draft Terms of Reference (ToR) and held engagement sessions with ministries, agencies and civil society representatives, including Article 19 and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).

“The MADANI Government remains committed to building a safe, ethical and balanced digital ecosystem. The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) will continue strengthening the legal framework to keep pace with global technological developments while maintaining a balance between freedom of expression, legal responsibility and public interest,” she added.

-- BERNAMA