PPPA bans increasingly target LGBTQ+ media, local publications: Report
According to Justice For Sisters (JFS) co-founder Thilaga Sulathireh, LGBTQ+ media accounted for 42 percent of all banned media between 2020 to May 2025.
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The Star
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Ministry mulling stricter social media rules for minors
STRICTER enforcement measures, including a possible ban on social media accounts for children under 13, are being studied by the Communications Ministry, says Fahmi Fadzil (pic). The minister said most platforms already do not allow children below 13 to have an account. 'Unfortunately, if you visit schools and ask pupils under 13 whether they have TikTok accounts, many will say yes. That alone is a breach, acknowledged even by TikTok,' he told the Dewan Rakyat. He said the ministry is exploring ways to improve enforcement of the age restriction, noting that protecting children online is a shared responsibility between the government, online platforms and parents. Between Jan 1, 2022, and July 15, 2025, service providers removed 1,443 pieces of harmful or extreme content involving children following requests from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). To better prepare youth for today's digital world, Fahmi said the ministry is introducing digital literacy modules for teens aged 13 and above. 'These modules aim to help our teenagers navigate the information landscape and remain vigilant. Not everything on social media is true.' Separately, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the ministry is reviewing five laws to close legal gaps and strengthen enforcement against child pornography. The laws are the Film Censorship Act 2002, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Evidence Act 1950 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The proposed amendments will address digital evidence admissibility, jurisdiction in international cases and enhanced online monitoring. Between 2021 and June 2025, Shamsul Anuar said the police investigated 287 cases involving the production, ownership, distribution, access, downloading and uploading of child pornography. These were investigated under Sections 4 to 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. 'About 90% of offenders were charged and convicted. This is a serious matter as it involves children,' he said in response to questions on the issue.
Malaysiakini
5 days ago
- Malaysiakini
Home Ministry bans 2 books 'detrimental to public morals'
The Home Ministry has banned two publications, effective from July 1, due to their content allegedly being 'detrimental to public morals'. The books, 'Chase Me' by American author Tessa Bailey, and 'Ammar Zahrain: The Obsessive Husband' by local author Nssignature, have been banned under Subsection 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA).
The Star
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Govt to review five laws to beef up efforts to fight child porn, Dewan Rakyat told
KUALA LUMPUR: Five laws under the Home Ministry's purview will possibly be reviewed as part of efforts to combat child pornography, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this includes the Film Censorship Act 2002, Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Evidence Act 1950 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. 'We are looking at amendments that focus on increasing the penalty and closing loopholes when it comes to child pornography,' he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (July 29). He said amendments also look into improving the admissibility of digital evidence, jurisdiction over international cases, and improving monitoring efforts online, among others. 'All the said Acts are reviewed from time to time to align with current developments. We cannot remain static especially since technology is expanding at a fast rate,' he added. Between 2021 to June 2025, Shamsul Anuar said the police have investigated 287 cases involving the production, ownership, distribution, access, downloading and uploading of child pornography. The cases were investigated based on Sections 4 to 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. 'Of the number, 90% have been charged and convicted. We are always monitoring. 'This is a very serious matter as it involves children,' he said. He also said the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and other relevant agencies are actively monitoring online platforms to detect and curb the spread of obscene content. 'MCMC will block and remove these materials based on reports received by the police,' he said. Shamsul Anuar was responding to supplementary questions by Datuk Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) and Datuk Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun) who asked about this.
