Tech firms WeChat and ByteDance (TikTok) have successfully obtained their licenses to operate in Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said Wednesday.

MCMC said in a statement that four major internet messaging and social media service providers have taken significant steps towards regulatory compliance by applying for license to operate in Malaysia.

According to the statement, Tencent (WeChat) has been granted the applications service provider class (ASP(C)) license, making it the first service provider to be licensed under the licensing requirements for internet messaging service and social media service providers.

Telegram, meanwhile, is in the final stages of the licensing process and is expected to secure its license soon.

Meta, which oversees Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp has initiated the process of obtaining their licenses to operate their platforms in the country, which is also expected to be completed soon.

However, both X (formerly known as Twitter) and Google, which operates YouTube, are yet to submit their applications to MCMC.

According to X, its user base in Malaysia has not reached the required threshold of eight million users.

Currently, MCMC is actively reviewing the validity of the user base as stated by X and will continue engagement sessions to assess X’s position.

As for Google, there were issues raised on the video sharing features of YouTube and its classification under the licensing framework.

MCMC has deliberated on the issues raised and shall ensure YouTube as well as all relevant platform providers meeting the licensing criteria are bound by their duties and responsibilities to adhere to the licensing framework, which is now in force.

MCMC will assess the status of platform providers that have yet to obtain the required licenses and consider the appropriate actions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Platform providers found to be in violation of licensing requirements may be subject to investigation and regulatory actions.

The licensing requirements underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening online safety, enhancing user protection, particularly for children and vulnerable groups, while improving regulatory oversight for service providers operating in Malaysia.

“MCMC applauds the efforts of service providers who have taken proactive steps toward compliance and emphasizes the importance of adhering to the licensing requirements,

“These efforts are pivotal in creating a safe and secure online environment for all Malaysians,” MCMC said.

Telegram and Tencent start licensing process to operate their platforms in Malaysia