KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 — The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) revealed in its latest report that a total of 518 out of 734, or 71 per cent, of complaints received last year came from social media platforms.

In a statement today, the self-regulated complaints bureau under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that the number of complaints from social media had increased compared to the previous year’s 412 cases.

“The complaints range from cyberbullying, misuse of private information, love scams and posts that offend religion; with a number of reports relating to a variety of issues that went viral during the year.

“The increasing number of complaints can indicate that the new media platforms are rife with mischief and misconduct,” it said.

Out of the 518 complaints, it revealed that 204 cases were from WhatsApp, 130 cases from Facebook, 68 cases from Instagram, 13 cases from TikTok, and six cases from Twitter.

However, the CMCF also said that the complaints were a healthy indication that Malaysians are playing their role in self-regulation of content, by recognising potentially harmful content and lodging reports to the relevant parties.

It also said that as for complaints related to other media networks such as television, radio, internet (for websites hosted in Malaysia), these will be evaluated based on the CMCF’s own content code.

Any violation of the content code will result in a written reprimand, a fine not exceeding RM50,000, required removal of the content or cessation of the offending act, it added.

On social media complaints, CMCF said that all complainants will be advised to lodge a report directly with the administrators of the respective platforms.

“For complaints of a more criminal nature, the complainant will be guided to the relevant authorities. For example, on cases relating to fraud or scams, they will be referred to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) or to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC). “Cases that relate to content involving race, religion, and royalty will be addressed by MCMC directly, and investigated under the relevant laws including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” it added.

CMCF is an organisation that oversees and promotes the self-regulation of content over the electronic networked medium. The Content Forum consists of key players of the content industry i.e., advertisers, advertising agencies, broadcasters, content creators/distributors, audiotext hosting services providers, advertising agencies, internet service providers and civic groups. Aimed at facilitating self-regulation, which provides an additional layer of consumer protection that complements the legal framework, the Content Forum is committed to govern and promote the creation, distribution and consumption of electronic-networked content.