Kuala Lumpur, January 2, 2025 - Tencent's WeChat and ByteDance's TikTok have successfully obtained licenses from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to operate in Malaysia. This marks a significant step in compliance with new regulations aimed at enhancing online safety.
The MCMC announced that both companies are the first to meet the licensing requirements established for internet messaging and social media service providers. Telegram is expected to finalize its licensing soon, while Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has initiated its licensing process.
However, X (formerly Twitter) and Google, which operates YouTube, have not yet submitted their applications. MCMC is currently reviewing X's claim that its user base in Malaysia does not meet the required threshold of eight million users, while Google has raised concerns regarding YouTube's classification under the new framework.
The new licensing requirements are part of the Malaysian government's initiative to improve online safety, particularly for children and vulnerable groups. Companies failing to comply by the January 1 deadline may face legal actions.