Malaysia initially announced it would block Meta and Facebook over concerns about gambling and sexual content, but has since backed out.
In an update last weekend, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that the company was no longer blacklisted.
MCMC implemented a ban at the end of June, highlighting the presence of "objectionable" content on Facebook.The platform's flexible approach to online gambling, religious and race-related publications has been a problem.Attacks on the Malaysian royal family only exacerbated the situation.
Since then, Meta has stepped up to work with Malaysia to control the content available in the country.However, the company does not appear to be expanding its restrictions on fraudulent postings and impersonation to other regions.
Meta's response
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fazil said Meta was willing to cooperate with the government in lifting the ban.He highlighted Meta's diligent efforts to work with Malaysian government agencies, including regulators and law enforcement agencies, to remedy the problem of objectionable content posted on Meta's platform.
Malaysia's population of 3300 million has a Facebook registration rate of 60%.For this reason, Facebook boasts overwhelming strength in social media in Japan.But it's been on the decline recently since last month's ban.
Fahmi said the government aims to preserve free speech but intends to regulate content related to ethnicity, religion and nationality.Malaysia is a diverse country with a majority Muslim Malay population and Chinese and Indian minorities, so it addresses significant ethnic and religious concerns.
Fahmi has steadfastly denied any involvement in the recent removal of numerous social media sites and accounts, despite complaints over government tightening controls over free speech.He said the removal of these pages and sites was likely the result of public dissatisfaction rather than government intervention, although the timing was questionable.
The removal of the pages comes as Malaysia prepares for upcoming local elections. In August, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government will be challenged by a coalition of Malay Islamist parties seeking a more conservative government.
Insulting a Sultan who actively participates in ceremonial events is strictly prohibited by law in Malaysia.In mid-July, less than a month before the elections, opposition leader Mohammed Sanusi Mud Nol was charged with sedition for insulting these figures.
Illegal Gambling Support Malaysia
As in many Muslim countries, gambling is taboo in Malaysia.This is a multi-billion dollar industry and no government can eliminate gambling.
A number of illegal gambling cases have been cracked in Malaysia, including last week.Anti-corruption police arrested three people a week ago on suspicion of illegal gambling as part of an ongoing offensive, seizing cash, gold bars and 1 luxury cars in the process.
Authorities reportedly confiscated MYR 3,800 million (US$840 million).But gold was chosen.They seized 200 kg (worth about $1300 million).
An unidentified 42-year-old businessman reportedly made as much as 5 million MYR (US$1 million).He spent only one day in prison before being released on bail, but faces several charges.These include money laundering, conspiracy and illegal gambling.
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