THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has refuted claims suggesting that Malaysia is obliged to remove the 80 per cent local content requirement for broadcasting licences under a trade agreement with the United States.
The commission described the allegation as “untrue and misleading” and stressed that it does not reflect the current licensing framework in Malaysia.
“Under the Content Applications Service Provider Individual (CASP) licence issued under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), no 80 per cent local content quota is imposed on private broadcasters in Malaysia,” said MCMC in a statement on Saturday.
The regulator explained that existing licences allow broadcasters to determine content in accordance with MCMC’s guidelines and standards.
“The CASP licence also does not prohibit the broadcasting of international content during prime time. Scheduling of content depends on the broadcaster’s decisions, market demand, and existing content regulations,” it added.
MCMC further noted that the government is developing a National Broadcasting Policy aimed at sustaining the country’s broadcasting ecosystem, enhancing the production of high-quality local content, and ensuring transparent and fair governance for public, private, and international platforms. - November 1, 2025
