Kuala Lumpur: The Online Safety Act 2024 will be enforced once all 10 regulatory guidelines, developed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), are finalised, stated Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Currently, five of these guidelines are ready, while the remaining five are still under development. The process requires engagement with industry stakeholders, necessitating additional time for completion, as Fahmi mentioned during the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) open day event.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Act, which received parliamentary approval in December, aims to bolster online safety and address issues such as defamatory content, fraud, and threats to public order. Fahmi also highlighted the important role of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) in developing guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI) use in broadcasting, emphasizing the need for collaborative discussions involving the council, industry, and government to assess both the benefits and risks of AI in media.

Fahmi further urged IPPTAR to expand its training programs to the public as part of institutional reforms. He proposed collaborations, such as with MyCreative Ventures, to create opportunities for media companies to engage with or benefit from IPPTAR’s training sessions, advocating for a more open approach in the institute’s operations.