KUALA LUMPUR: Online portal news editors and social media administrators have been urged to use their powers to act against comments that touch on race, religion and royalty.
The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said social media platform providers should also be more responsible in taking down provocative and dangerous contents.
"Hate speech refers to comments that accuse or bring down a person's standing based on their race, ethnicity, religion or nationality.
"Therefore, the MCMC will continue monitoring to curb the spread of false information and offensive comments that have elements of race, religion and royalty," it said in a statement on Sunday (March 19).
Sharing content that is false, offensive or threatening is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 fine or a year in jail or both upon conviction.
MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Saleh Fatih Din also reminded the public not to upload or share any hateful content or views that have elements of race, religion and royalty on social media or messaging applications.
"Enforcement action with the police will be taken against those involved based on existing laws to maintain public order," the MCMC said.
The latest reminders follow recent incidents that could potentially disrupt public order.
The MCMC also reminded those who saw contents that are provocative or seditious in nature or insulting race, royalty or race, to report to MCMC via https://aduan.skmm.gov.my/, or its hotline at 1800-188-030, WhatsApp to 016-2206262 and email at aduanskmm@mcmc.gov.my.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said that there will be zero tolerance towards any attempt to incite racial or religious sentiments in the country.
He said any attempt to pit one race against another, or to raise the racial and religious temperature in the country will not be permitted.
Security forces have also been put on alert to curb such attempts.
