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THE enforcement of Malaysia’s Online Safety Act (ONSA) is expected to significantly reduce public exposure to harmful online content, creating a safer digital environment, particularly for children and young users.
Dr Liyana Mohd Ramly, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), said the legislation places responsibility on digital platforms to strengthen content moderation and reporting systems.
“I see the enforcement of ONSA as a very important step because it not only protects users but prioritises children and families,” Dr Liyana told RTM. “With this legal framework in place, digital platforms are responsible for ensuring that risky content can be filtered, with strengthened reporting systems and enhanced protections specifically for children.”
She emphasised the need to complement legislative measures with increased digital literacy, particularly among parents.
“Parents are the closest and most influential figures in their children’s lives. They need clear guidance on how to monitor the content accessed by their children, set limits on daily device usage, and understand the risks that exist online,” Dr Liyana said.
In addition, she highlighted the importance of schools in fostering digital awareness and safety among children, suggesting that digital literacy and online safety education be integrated into the curriculum.
The move follows the announcement on 1 January by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) that ONSA would be enforced, establishing a legal framework aimed at improving online safety and reinforcing protections for users, especially children and families.
Dr Liyana concluded that combining legislative oversight with proactive parental guidance and school-based education would create a more secure and responsible digital ecosystem. - January 4, 2025
