WeChat, TikTok and Telegram are now officially licensed under Malaysia’s Class Licence for Application Service Providers [ASP(C)], according to the Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
As of 31 August, the three companies – WeChat International Private Limited, TikTok Private Limited and Telegram Messenger Incorporated – have complied with licensing requirements under the framework administered by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“Discussions are still ongoing with Meta, which oversees Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, as well as with Google, which owns YouTube,” said Fahmi in a written reply to the Dewan Negara.
He explained that the continued engagement with these platforms is necessary to resolve outstanding issues related to the implementation and enforcement of the licensing framework, with the broader aim of fostering a safer and more responsible online environment.
As for the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Fahmi noted that it had informed the government that its user base in Malaysia had not reached the threshold of eight million, which would trigger the licensing requirement.
However, the MCMC is currently conducting a comprehensive study to verify user figures across digital platforms. “The Commission will assess whether there is a need for platforms such as X to be licensed under the ASP(C) framework,” he said.
Responding to Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli’s query on delays in securing ASP(C) compliance from certain platforms, Fahmi said the process involves “a range of complex technical, operational and legal compliance issues” that require detailed examination.
He added that the MCMC continues to maintain open lines of communication with service providers that have not yet obtained the class licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
“The licensing process takes time due to the need to resolve multiple implementation and enforcement challenges with large-scale foreign service providers,” he said, adding that the aim is to ensure proper regulatory alignment and accountability across the digital space. - September 10, 2025
