KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a statutory demand to TikTok after finding the social media platform’s response inadequate in addressing offensive, defamatory and misleading content targeting Malaysia’s Royal Institution.
The action follows the circulation of content linked to an account claiming association with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, including AI-generated videos, manipulated images and other material deemed offensive and insulting.
In a statement today, the MCMC said the content involved was “grossly offensive, false, menacing and insulting in nature”, and may contravene Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, alongside other provisions under Malaysian law.
“MCMC takes a serious view of any misuse of online platforms to disseminate content that is grossly offensive, false, menacing or detrimental to public order, particularly where it involves the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers,” the statement read
The commission said such incidents fall within the broader framework of 3R issues — race, religion and royalty, which remain highly sensitive and have the potential to undermine public order, national harmony and respect for constitutional institutions.
According to MCMC, TikTok had been notified and engaged over the matter previously, but the platform’s moderation measures were found wanting, particularly in ensuring the prompt removal of problematic content and preventing its further spread.
“As a platform rendering social media services in Malaysia, service providers are expected to exercise a higher degree of responsibility in safeguarding their services against exploitation for unlawful and harmful activities,” it said.
The statutory demand requires TikTok to immediately strengthen its moderation mechanisms, enforce stricter action against content that breaches Malaysian laws and community guidelines, and provide a formal explanation regarding its moderation shortcomings.
MCMC said it would continue exercising its regulatory powers, including pursuing further legal action where necessary, to tackle the misuse of digital platforms.
“MCMC will continue to take firm and proportionate action where necessary to ensure digital platforms operating in Malaysia uphold their responsibilities in maintaining a safe, secure and respectful online environment,” it said.
Yesterday, the Royal Press Office of the Johor Royal Family called for decisive action against those behind a fake TikTok account accused of defaming the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
In a statement on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page, the office said the account, operating under the name “Sultan Ibrahim Ismail,” used artificial intelligence (AI) to spread content deemed disrespectful to the monarch.
“Royal Press Office also expresses regret over another image on the account, which placed His Majesty’s face onto the body of an animal, clearly offensive and irresponsible,” the statement said.
Among the posts was a video falsely claiming the Yang di-Pertuan Agong favours eating pork, described as untrue and highly sensitive given Sultan Ibrahim is a Malay ruler and a practising Muslim.
The Royal Press Office added that the actions constituted a serious and malicious insult to the royal institution.
“Accordingly, the Royal Press Office strongly hopes that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will take firm action against those responsible,” it concluded. - May 21, 2026
The post ‘Unsatisfactory response’: MCMC issues statutory demand to TikTok over AI-generated royal insults appeared first on Scoop.
