The interim chairman of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission announced that MCMC is undertaking a review of the current online content regulation and framework. This was shared following recent publication of online content deemed to be harmful to national security and harmony. He also noted that countries in the region such as Indonesia, Singapore and Australia have introduced direct regulatory oversight on social media service providers, holding them to greater accountability and responsibility when managing harmful content.

Following a public consultation held in early 2020, certain amendments to the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010 will be tabled at the Malaysian Parliament for approval in October 2022. These proposals will introduce new obligations on both data users and data processors.

Following the public consultation held in late 2021 on proposed changes to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code (“Content Code”), the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia has now issued the revamped version of the Content Code effective from 30 May 2022.

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Earlier this year, the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Department released several documents to aid data users in their compliance with the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010 – these include a guide on privacy notices, new codes of practice applicable to the private healthcare industry and the water utilities industry, as well as circulars reminding prescribed classes of data users of their registration obligations.

Subsequent to our client alert issued in November 2021 in relation to cloud service regulation in Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has since shed light on the scope of the licensing regime and the availability of a grace period until 31 March 2022 to those affected to fully comply with the new licensing requirement.

On 15 December 2021, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021 was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat. Its main aim is to establish a tribunal for the hearing of sexual harassment complaints and claims.

The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia has issued a public consultation paper titled “Revamp of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code”, proposing a number of changes to the prohibitions, restrictions and requirements on electronic content, particularly in relation to advertising, as well as broader implications for online service providers and online marketplace operators. The closing date for submission of feedback to the Content Forum is 10 December 2021.

Effective 1 January 2022, cloud service providers in Malaysia will be subjected to licensing requirements under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Technical standards are also expected to be implemented in due course to ensure that licensed cloud service providers comply with prescribed requirements as to data security and data protection. Cloud service providers are advised to carefully consider whether the new licensing regime applies to their solutions, and to ensure they are duly licensed when the requirements come into force in the new year.