Social networking platforms TikTok and WeChat have been granted operating licences by Malaysia’s communications regulator, according to a statement by the authority.
The licences have been issued under a new law that came into effect on January 1, 2025. The legislation is aimed at targeting increasing crimes on social media platforms.
The law requires online platforms with over eight million users to obtain a licence to keep operating in the country. So far, only TikTok and WeChat have obtained licences, while Telegram is in the process of acquiring it.
Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has also initiated the licencing process, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
X, on the other hand, has not submitted any application for licence, claiming its user base is below 8 million in Malaysia. The authorities are investigating the claim. YouTube still has not applied for the licence as well.
The regulations first surfaced in August last year, with the communication regulator saying they were aimed at combatting online scams and fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children. Despite strong opposition from leading tech companies, including Meta, the authorities stood by the regime.
Social media companies are obligated to obtain a license from the government under the Communications and Multimedia Act, 1998 (Act 588). Under the rules, failure to obtain a licence after the effective date will constitute a breach, leading to legal action.
Previously, social media services were exempted from licensing requirements under the country’s Communications and Multimedia (Licensing) (Exemption) Order 2000.
