Kuala lumpur: The Communications Ministry has reiterated its commitment to combat online fraud tactics that are increasingly prevalent on social media platforms through the Online Safety Act (ONSA) which came into effect on January 1. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil highlighted a regulatory sandbox approach currently being conducted to examine the regulatory mechanisms for social media platforms, including age limits, to ensure they fully understand the act.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, ONSA applies to platforms, and if they continue to allow incidents such as AI deepfake, investment scams, and online gambling, a hefty fine ranging from RM1 million to RM10 million can be imposed. "We give them some time to ensure they understand all their duties and responsibilities," Fahmi stated to the media after officiating the Arts and Culture Unity Programme at KL Gateway Mall.
Fahmi emphasized that beyond ensuring a safe digital ecosystem, the implementation is crucial to curb criminal activities including scams and the dissemination of content harmful to children's mental development. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and not be easily swayed by fraudulent schemes promising high returns with minimal investment, and to critically evaluate any investment offers on social media platforms.
Regarding the Arts and Culture Unity Programme, Fahmi praised the organizers' initiative, which featured about 20 stalls showcasing cultural and artistic products from Malaysia and Indonesia. He noted the Ministry of Communications' dedication to fostering the creative industry, including music, animation, and film, with many products already making inroads into the Indonesian market, such as Upin and Ipin and Papa Zola.
Fahmi expressed optimism about the potential of Malaysia's creative industry, stating, "I believe that with the support we can provide, including through agencies such as Finas, MyCreative Ventures and many more, we can bring more of Malaysia's creative industry products to the Southeast Asian level and then to the rest of the world."