KLANG, Aug 20 — The government hopes that all online platforms will fully comply with the Risk Mitigation Code, which came into force on June 1 under the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866), to strengthen measures against fraudulent and harmful online content.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said this was because the code requires platform providers to identify and verify advertisers before allowing paid advertisements to be published on their platforms.
“(The increasing trend of online fraud) is indeed worrying. We hope that once platforms fully fulfil this responsibility, we will see a decline in fraudulent content on the internet.
“Currently, the grace period is still in place for all online platforms until the end of the year,” she said when met at the launch of 10 new electric delivery vehicles (EVs) by SPX Express in Bukit Raja Selatan here.
Teo said the number of fraudulent content removed by social media platforms continued to rise, with 99,693 pieces taken down as of July 15.
She said the existing legal framework was sufficient to address online crimes and security issues, including through amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA), the Online Security Act and the Cybecrime Act.
Teo therefore said there was no need to enact a new law to address fraud, but rather to give the existing laws time to take effect and see their impact.
Meanwhile, she said the increase in online purchases had resulted in higher demand for last-mile delivery vehicles, making the use of greener vehicles important in reducing environmental pollution.
“I am very pleased that SPX Express, as one of the largest delivery companies in Malaysia, has taken the initiative to use greener vehicles to help reduce environmental pollution,” she said.
Teo added that the government was encouraging more logistics companies to use EVs for commercial activities, in line with its policy to promote electric vehicle adoption amid volatile fuel prices and the uncertain situation in West Asia.
She said the use of EVs was not only better for the environment, but should also be extended to vehicles used by both individuals and companies.
Teo said the use of EV delivery vehicles by companies such as SPX Express showed that the growth of the digital economy could go hand in hand with environmental sustainability efforts.
In another development, Teo said the government’s efforts to provide more comprehensive internet coverage and higher speeds should be complemented by measures to ensure a better and more seamless user experience in the digital ecosystem. — Bernama
