Online Safety Act 2024 To Be Enforced Once Guidelines Are Finalised
'We have yet to enforce the Act because MCMC needs to develop 10 regulations. So far, five are ready, and five more are still in progress.
'Some of them require engagement with industry stakeholders, so we need a bit more time to finalise all these guidelines,' he told reporters after officiating the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) open day today.
Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, IPPTAR director Roslan Ariffin, and Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman.
The Act, which was passed by Parliament in December last year, is aimed at strengthening online safety as well as addressing the spread of defamatory content, fraud and threats to public order.
Fahmi also called on the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) to play an active role in developing guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the broadcasting sector.
'I believe the council has a role to play in these discussions. By involving MMM, the industry and the government, we can examine both the benefits and risks of using AI, particularly in media.
'So we will first discuss the best approach at the ministry level, and engage as many stakeholders as possible to develop the desired guidelines,' he said.
Earlier in his speech, Fahmi urged IPPTAR to open its training programmes to the public as part of its institutional reform.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Fahmi leads Malaysia at WSIS+20 Geneva to boost digital inclusivity
GENEVA: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil is leading Malaysia's delegation at the World Summit on the Information Society+20 High-Level Event (WSIS+20) in Geneva from July 7 to 11. The event serves as a key platform for global leaders to discuss ICT-driven sustainable development. Malaysia's participation aligns with the MADANI Government's commitment to fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem. The country aims to highlight its achievements in rural internet expansion, ICT literacy, and digital transformation through initiatives like the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) and National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI). The ministry stated, 'This participation brings various strategic benefits to the country, including global recognition of Malaysia's leadership in expanding rural internet access, communication technology inclusivity, and initiatives to empower ICT literacy among citizens in line with the well-being values of Malaysia MADANI.' WSIS+20, a United Nations-led forum, focuses on leveraging ICT for sustainable growth across 11 key areas, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, and capacity building. Since 2012, the WSIS Prizes have honoured 234 winning projects and 648 champions for impactful technological advancements. Fahmi is also set to engage in over 10 bilateral meetings with officials from the UK, Saudi Arabia, Poland, and others, alongside discussions with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. These talks aim to strengthen Malaysia's role as a regional digital leader. - Bernama
Barnama
7 hours ago
- Barnama
Fahmi Leads Malaysian Delegation To WSIS+20 In Geneva
From Mohd Khairi Idham Amran GENEVA (Switzerland), July 6 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil will lead the Malaysian delegation to the World Summit on the Information Society+20 High-Level Event (WSIS+20), which will be held here from July 7 to 11. The Communications Ministry, in a statement today, said Malaysia's participation in WSIS+20 is part of the MADANI Government's ongoing efforts to strengthen an inclusive national communications technology ecosystem aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'This participation brings various strategic benefits to the country, including global recognition of Malaysia's leadership in expanding rural internet access, communication technology inclusivity, and initiatives to empower ICT literacy among citizens in line with the well-being values of Malaysia MADANI,' the statement said. According to the statement, Malaysia is also using the WSIS platform to showcase key initiatives such as the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) and National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI), thereby strengthening its position as a regional leader in communication technology transformation. WSIS is a United Nations platform that brings together global leaders to leverage ICT for sustainable development, covering key components including the WSIS Action Lines – a framework comprising 11 ICT-related focus areas such as infrastructure, capacity building, cybersecurity and enabling environments. In addition, the WSIS Prizes recognise high-impact technological development projects, with 234 winners and 648 champions recognised since the awards were first introduced in 2012. During WSIS+20, Fahmi is also scheduled to hold more than 10 bilateral meetings with counterparts from countries such as the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Somalia, Greece, Russia, and Algeria, as well as a meeting with the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin. -- BERNAMA
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
No timeline yet for charity law
Azalina: It is subject to holistic engagement with all stakeholders PETALING JAYA: The stories are infuriating, to say the least. Five office bearers from an NGO were arrested last month on suspicion of embezzling RM26mil in public donations. And in 2023, news emerged about a non-profit group allegedly misusing funds meant to help a war-torn country. This has since become a court case involving money laundering and criminal breach of trust. Amid reports of such transgressions, what is the status of the Charities Commission which the government wanted to set up to ensure no one takes advantage of donations from generous Malaysians? 'A specific timeline for the enactment of the law (to set up the commission) has yet to be set. 'It is subject to holistic engagements with all relevant stakeholders, including the Finance Ministry,' said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. 'The financial implications remain a key consideration that must be examined as part of the overall decision-making process,' she said when contacted. It has been a year since reports came out that the government is conducting a feasibility study to draw up a Charities Act and establish a Charities Commission to address problems related to the the misuse of funds donated to charitable organisations. Azalina told the Dewan Negara in July last year that similar Charities Act in countries like the United Kingdom, Singapore and New Zealand would be studied. Asked why the proposed Act had not materialised in Malaysia despite having been planned more than a year ago, Azalina said there was no timeline yet. 'Policy-wise, the proposal has been generally well received, with positive feedback from initial consultations.' She said engagement sessions, discussions and a survey conducted last year involving 1,006 respondents showed strong public support for a dedicated law and commission to regulate charitable activities. The government, she said, remained serious in addressing the issue and ensuring a well-structured, feasible and effective legislative outcome. 'Our current fragmented regulatory framework with multiple regulators and inconsistent definitions has hindered effective oversight,' she said. Azalina said the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department has established a special committee to study the feasibility of such an Act towards establishing the commission. 'This committee comprises researchers from both public and private universities, representatives from NGOs, the Malaysian Bar and the division itself.' Among others, the proposed Act is aimed at enhancing governance and streamlining and monitoring efforts. Azalina said the Legal Affairs Division would hold further engagement and studies to strengthen the policy framework. 'These efforts will culminate in the preparation of a memorandum for the Cabinet's approval,' she added. Prof Dr Zuraidah Ali and Asst Prof Dr Zati Ilham Abdul Manaf – law experts from the International Islamic University Malaysia who had proposed models for the Charities Commission last year to the Legal Affairs Division – pointed out that there is currently no regulator for the collection of charities by NGOs in Malaysia. 'We proposed three models. Now, it is up to the government,' said Zuraidah. As for the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), its minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that it is working with the state authorities and enforcement agencies to look into the operations of organisations that collect funds for religious purposes. 'We are aware of the existence of hundreds of NGOs collecting funds in the name of religion and without oversight,' he said, adding that this included donations for the Palestinian cause. He said that his department is in charge of monitoring Muslims' contributions in the name of charity but the authority remains with the states' religious councils. 'We welcome proposals to establish a body similar to the Charity Commission to monitor the activities of charitable NGOs. 'However, this must be aligned with Malaysia's Islamic legal framework, which places religious authority under the jurisdiction of the states,' he said. To ensure that the contributions of Muslims are channelled to trustworthy parties, Mohd Na'im said that his unit, through Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia, is collaborating with the states' Islamic religious councils.
