In a move towards regulating digital platforms, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on 5 September 2023 that it:
a. Had been in discussions with certain online platforms to address the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of online media
b. May be seeking to introduce a regulatory framework (in the manner of Australia and Canada) to ensure that news content creators are fairly compensated by online platform providers who use their content
c. Aims to implement “rules of the road” for implementation of artificial intelligence technology (AI)

It has been three years since Section 17A of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 came into effect, with the first charge under the provision made in 2021. The recent array of actions by the MACC coupled with the “zero tolerance for corruption” policy launched by the Madani Government provide a timely reminder of the importance of businesses in (i) reviewing their existing procedures and (ii) ensuring adequate procedures are in place to prevent bribery as they afford the only defense against liability under Section 17A.