PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has filed a civil suit against Telegram and two of its channels for allegedly spreading harmful content that could erode trust in public institutions and threaten social order.
MCMC said the two channels, “Edisi Siasat” and “Edisi Khas”, were found to have published content that violated provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“This marks the first such action taken against a social media platform provider, particularly since Telegram holds an application service provider (class) licence,” it said in a statement today.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“The move follows Telegram’s serious failure to address content that has been repeatedly reported to it, despite multiple negotiation and cooperation efforts by MCMC.”
Edisi Siasat and Edisi Khas are anonymous Telegram channels known for publishing whistleblower-style allegations, particularly targeting public institutions and enforcement agencies.
Despite being unofficial, their posts often gain traction and trigger public debates.
Due to what it described as Telegram’s “unsatisfactory” compliance, MCMC said it had obtained an interim injunction from the High Court to stop the spread of the offensive material and prevent similar content from being published.
“Telegram will be given the appropriate opportunity to present its defence in accordance with the principles of justice and fundamental rights,” it added.
The regulator also warned that social media platforms have a duty to ensure that the content on their platforms does not violate Malaysian laws, adding that it would not hesitate to take similar action against other providers.
“MCMC remains committed to ensuring that Malaysia’s digital space remains safe, ethical and compliant with the law,” it said.
