By Mike Paul
Cyberjaya, March 6 – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has fined comedian Harith Iskander and social media user Cecelia Yap RM10,000 each for allegedly posting offensive content about Islam on Facebook.
The action, approved by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), was taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) based on provisions in place before the Act’s amendment on February 11, 2025.
MCMC, in a statement on March 5, said, “Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (MCMC) telah menerima izin daripada Jabatan Peguam Negara (AGC) untuk mengenakan tindakan kompaun sebanyak RM10,000 setiap seorang terhadap dua individu atas kesalahan memuat naik kandungan dan komen jelik melibatkan agama Islam di Facebook, pada 18 Januari 2025.” (“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has received approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to impose a RM10,000 compound on each of the two individuals for uploading offensive content and comments related to Islam on Facebook on January 18, 2025.”)
Comedian Harith Iskander
The posts in question, uploaded on January 18, 2025, reportedly sparked widespread public outrage, leading to multiple complaints to MCMC. Following an official request from MCMC, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, removed the content for violating its community guidelines. Additionally, MCMC has submitted a request to Meta to disable both individuals’ Facebook accounts, which is currently under review.
The issue reflects growing tensions over online discourse and freedom of expression in Malaysia, where digital platforms have become battlegrounds for discussions on race, religion, and politics. In recent years, authorities have stepped up enforcement against online content deemed provocative or harmful to social harmony, particularly under the CMA.
In a separate development, MCMC is also preparing to submit an investigation paper to the Deputy Public Prosecutor regarding a TikTok video uploaded by the radio station ERA FM, which allegedly mocked Hinduism. The controversy surrounding the video prompted MCMC to summon Astro’s top management for questioning yesterday. A formal investigation has been launched under the newly amended provisions of Section 233 of the CMA.
As part of its enforcement measures, MCMC has issued a Notice of Intent to Suspend the License of the operator managing ERA FM. The license holder has been given 30 days to submit a response before any final decision is made.
These developments highlight the Malaysian government’s heightened scrutiny of digital content and its commitment to regulating online speech under the framework of the CMA. As authorities balance freedom of expression with societal sensitivities, the case of Harith Iskander, Cecelia Yap, and ERA FM underscores the evolving landscape of media governance in the digital era.
- TNS News