Smile for the camera!: Fahmi taking a selfie with healthcare workers and other attendees at Malaysia International Healthcare Megatrends 2024 in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts are being intensified to uncover sexual grooming networks operating on social media platforms, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have launched a joint investigation into the issue.
“We have received such complaints on X.
“MCMC is working with Meta and specifically D11 to identify such groups and find out what they do.
“In case of any wrongdoing, the police will take action,” he said, referring to Bukit Aman’s Women and Child Investigations Division (D11).
Meta is the parent company of Facebook, while X is formerly known as Twitter.
The MCMC, said Fahmi, will assist in terms of data preservation and profiling of accounts.
Earlier, the minister was at a collaborative announcement session in conjunction with Malaysia International Healthcare Megatrends 2024 yesterday.
It involved the MCMC and three international partners – the US Trade and Development Agency, Australian Investment and Trade Commission and British High Commission.
On Friday, the MCMC said it was in the process of taking action against a private Facebook group that posts photos of young schoolgirls in baju kurung uniform after a user highlighted it to the commission and Fahmi.
The group, created in 2021, has around 6,100 members. Despite it being private, it is accessible by anyone on Facebook.
From the description, the group is meant for “material exchange” about young schoolgirls in baju kurung uniform.
On another matter, Fahmi has cautioned the public against inciting racial sentiments about a cultural event in Teluk Intan, Perak, where Chinese flags were openly waved.
“I have read some comments related to 3R (race, religion and royalty) on social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook about this issue.
“I want to remind all to refrain from making any comments that are inflammatory in nature or related to 3R, especially race.
“The MCMC is monitoring this and also working with the police to identify those making these remarks,” he said.
When asked, Fahmi said the weekly Cabinet meeting did not discuss the flag-waving issue, as it happened when the meeting was going on.
“We are aware of the statement made by the Perak police chief. We will leave it to the police to conduct an investigation,” he added.
On Friday, Perak police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said the cultural event had violated conditions under the Peaceful Assembly Act.
He said the procession, which included religious elements and floats, took place from 8pm to 11.30pm on Thursday.
The event was meant to celebrate the deity Guan Gong, who is worshipped by Taoists as the god of wealth.
The organiser has since been called by the police to record a statement.
