Aida Nadhirah

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Social

entertainment

Malaysia

film

dystopian

censorship

thriller

Pendatang

In recent years, the filmmaking landscape has undergone a transformative shift, with crowdfunding emerging as a powerful tool for filmmakers to bring their creative visions to life. This phenomenon has gained significant traction globally, with notable success stories and a growing impact on traditional funding models.&nbsp;
In a bold move, Kuman Pictures is set to premiere its first crowdfunded film, &lsquo;Pendatang&rsquo;, on YouTube on 21st December 2023. The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ng Ken King, has already stirred anticipation and curiosity among audiences nationwide.
A Dystopian Thriller
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4d67a3a313d14c997dd9100e6b970d45c63d8c2949b6f578008992a92732e148" alt="" width="496" height="458" /> Behind the scenes from the film
&lsquo;Pendatang&rsquo; delves into a dystopian Malaysia where ethnic segregation has reached unprecedented heights. Set against a backdrop of societal unrest, the film follows the story of a Chinese-Malaysian family who is ordered to relocate to a house in an area controlled by a militia group.&nbsp;
The film reimagined a Malaysia where different races are not allowed to mingle by force of draconian law. The conflict began when the family found a Malay girl hiding in the attic of their new house, and it prompted them to risk their lives or just get rid of the girl.&nbsp;
The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, drama, and a touch of thriller to shed light on the consequences of deep-rooted ethnic prejudices. The film's exploration of ethnic segregation within a dystopian framework holds a mirror to contemporary Malaysian society. By depicting the consequences of such divisions, &lsquo;Pendatang&rsquo; aims to spark conversations about unity, tolerance, and the effects of unchecked discrimination.
&ldquo;Many of us pretend everything is fine by enclosing ourselves in our bubbles. So, these barriers and invisible walls between the races inspire the story,&rdquo; said Lim Boon Siang, the scriptwriter of &lsquo;Pendatang&rsquo;. Siang added that he hoped through this film, Malaysians would learn not to take each other for granted and to continue to treat everyone with mutual respect and compassion regardless of race, religion or gender.
The First Fully Crowdfunded Film
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8df8d5294d86970ac00b7b235538b048f6b71a04189f8feffbe0e29b0dd7b1af" alt="" width="494" height="338" /> Amir Muhammad
One of the most intriguing aspects of &lsquo;Pendatang&rsquo; lies in its decision to be crowdfunded. The filmmakers opted for this unconventional route to sidestep potential censorship by Malaysia's Film Censorship Board (LPF), known for its strict regulations. 
Amir Muhammad, the founder of Kuman Pictures and co-producer of the film, explained that their stance on getting crowdfunded is to tell an authentic story without the risk of being censored.&nbsp;
&ldquo;&lsquo;Pendatang&rsquo; addresses critical issues, and we wanted to ensure the narrative remained authentic and unfiltered,&rdquo; added him when they first announced the film crowdfunding campaign. Launched on indiegogo.com in 2022, the film managed to crowdsource RM426,684, surpassing their initial RM300,00 target.
The campaign offered six tiers of donations backers could choose from, starting from RM44 and going up to RM44,520, where each tier came with its exclusive perks. &ldquo;We choose &lsquo;fixed funding&rsquo;, so if we don&rsquo;t raise at least RM300,000, any money pledged would not be charged to the backer &mdash; and the film won&rsquo;t get made,&rdquo; stated Amir further.
What&rsquo;s In The Title?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/97597caf10d034f64c1bfd7ed498fdcbb2128dba76817abc3f160fcebfcd28f9" alt="" width="305" height="528" />
Touching on the controversial title of the film, Amir said the word is a double entendre where some communities in Malaysia are still being called outsiders even though they have been in the country long before Tanah Melayu achieved its independence. Explaining the title in the film's context, it illustrates the Malay girl's situation as an intruder in the family and depicts how the family will navigate the tension. 
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/327c0aa4d693efbfc5e2a80ac2926b265040c6067852feed8b4bfe85ba5bd25a" alt="" width="348" height="380" /> Ng Ken Kin
Ng Ken Kin, the director of the film, promised the film won&rsquo;t be preachy as it aims to take the audience on a suspenseful ride of thriller and action throughout the film. &ldquo;&lsquo;Pendatang' has the potential to be a catalyst for change. It challenges societal norms and forces us to confront uncomfortable truths. The power of cinema lies in its ability to provoke thought &ndash; this film is poised to do just that,&rdquo; said the director, who is known for notable works such as Geng Bas Sekolah, 5 Jingga, and Kapten Boleh.&nbsp;
The decision to release &lsquo;Pendatang&rsquo; on YouTube also reflects a strategic choice to reach a wider audience. By bypassing traditional distribution channels, the filmmakers aim to connect directly with viewers across Malaysia and beyond, fostering a global dialogue on the film's themes. 
&ldquo;Due to the nature of the film&rsquo;s themes, the film would never have passed the LPF board, so YouTube is the obvious choice for us,&rdquo; added Kin further.
&lsquo;Pendatang&rsquo; emerges as a groundbreaking project not only for its narrative and thematic content but also for its innovative approach to funding and distribution. As the premiere date approaches, all eyes are on this crowdfunded gem, eager to witness its impact on the Malaysian film industry and the conversations it sparks on ethnic harmony and unity.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ykLQbkZ0piA?si=cDkUaJXqPTbcs1Nq" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The rise of crowdfunded films is reshaping the global cinematic landscape, and Malaysia is no exception. As filmmakers increasingly turn to crowdfunding platforms, they finance their projects and build a community of engaged supporters. The success of "Pendatang" and other crowdfunded initiatives may pave the way for a more vibrant, diverse, and independent future for Malaysian cinema.
Don&rsquo;t forget to catch it this 21st of December, and in the meantime, visit their <a href="https://www.kumanpictures.com/pendatang">website</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kumanpictures/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KumanPictures/">Facebook</a> for more information.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Kuman Pictures &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Imagine Malaysia actually implement the segregation act 😱 

f5e25854a9d7a397eb426a9ffcbed7666188646528690a785ac1204cf956890e

Breaking Tradition: 'Pendatang,' Malaysia's First Crowdsourced Film, Chooses YouTube Premiere To Dodge LPF Censorship

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Pizza hut Meltz 2026

Telegram was briefly removed from Apple&rsquo;s App Store worldwide after Apple found content that violated its strict guidelines against child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The messaging app was later restored after Telegram removed the reported content and banned the account involved.
The incident has reignited discussions over content moderation on large platforms, with Telegram founder Pavel Durov questioning Apple&rsquo;s decision and warning that similar action could potentially affect other user-generated content platforms in the future.
Telegram Disappears From App Store Before Being Restored
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2024bbab0da57776ae0df5455f47de9f5f20d24dae33a02d8bc3892305137850" />
On Monday (3 August), Telegram users around the world noticed that the app had disappeared from Apple&rsquo;s App Store search results, preventing new users from downloading the application on iOS devices.
However, existing users who already had Telegram installed on their iPhones and iPads were still able to use the app normally. The application also remained available on Google&rsquo;s Play Store for Android users and continued to appear on the Mac App Store.
The disruption lasted only a few hours before Telegram confirmed that the app had been restored.
&ldquo;Telegram has been restored on the App Store and should soon be available again for all users,&rdquo; the company said in response to inquiries.
Apple Says Removal Was Due To Illegal Content
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/aada2d6a2e688e095da8745cbf9bb5523590c07c32a14e3dfdfa5165e35ccacb" />
Apple later confirmed that Telegram was temporarily removed after a review discovered content that breached its guidelines prohibiting child sexual abuse material.
&ldquo;We briefly removed Telegram from the App Store after our review found content that violates our strict guidelines prohibiting child sexual abuse material,&rdquo; an Apple spokesperson said.
The company added that Telegram was reinstated after the platform removed the content and permanently banned the user responsible for uploading it.
The incident marks the second time Telegram has faced removal from Apple&rsquo;s App Store. In 2018, Apple also temporarily removed Telegram and Telegram X after finding &ldquo;inappropriate content&rdquo; accessible through the apps. The apps were restored on the same day after Telegram introduced additional safeguards.
Pavel Durov Claims Incident Was Linked To Alleged Extortion Attempt
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/63c8c4500d920a7730d975b3a570415b0661aa9caaee6b84939398609c05faac" />
Telegram founder Pavel Durov provided a different explanation for the incident, claiming the violation was caused by a user attempting to manipulate Apple&rsquo;s moderation process.
According to Durov, a member of a group chat allegedly edited an earlier message using artificial intelligence tools in an attempt to make the group appear to be violating Apple&rsquo;s rules.
He claimed the action was linked to an alleged extortion attempt, suggesting that the person behind it wanted to pressure the group&rsquo;s administrators into paying a settlement.
Durov criticised Apple&rsquo;s decision to remove Telegram without prior warning, arguing that platforms with billions of users could be vulnerable to similar situations.
&ldquo;If an app used by more than 1 billion people can be removed from the App Store without any prior warning, any app can face the same fate,&rdquo; he said.
Telegram&rsquo;s official account on X also responded to the incident with a post saying, &ldquo;reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated,&rdquo; alongside an Apple emoji.
Telegram Defends Its Content Moderation Efforts
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8fd9c3dbe3c223cfd209ecaa4d98ea5d102449b45919c1edd63ae0eeb11f009c" />
Telegram said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards child sexual abuse material and claimed it had removed hundreds of thousands of groups and channels containing such content.
The company said it had blocked nearly 338,000 groups and channels linked to CSAM this year through its moderation systems and detection tools.
However, the platform has continued to face scrutiny from regulators worldwide over how it handles illegal content.
In April, the UK&rsquo;s communications regulator Ofcom launched an investigation into allegations involving the spread of child sexual abuse material on Telegram. The company denied the accusations, saying it had &ldquo;virtually eliminated&rdquo; public distribution of such material since introducing improved detection methods in 2018.
Telegram was also fined by Australia&rsquo;s online safety regulator after allegedly failing to provide sufficient information about measures taken to combat child abuse material and violent extremist content.
Previous Legal Challenges Facing Telegram
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2ab67f1fac39057aaa25a329c31573251207448dd38e8211d0c12f1eb665060c" />
The latest App Store incident comes amid ongoing legal challenges involving Telegram and its founder.
Durov was charged in France in 2024 over allegations related to criminal activity taking place on Telegram, including accusations concerning the spread of illegal content. He has denied wrongdoing and has repeatedly defended Telegram&rsquo;s approach to user privacy and platform freedom.
The founder has also faced criticism from Russian authorities, who accused Telegram of being used for extremist activities &mdash; allegations Durov has rejected.
Founded in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov, Telegram is now one of the world&rsquo;s largest messaging platforms, with more than one billion monthly active users. The company is headquartered in Dubai after the brothers left Russia following disputes over their previous social media platform, VK.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A temporary App Store ban, a quick fix — Telegram returns after addressing Apple’s concerns.

c1c42ff6dc4677bf9697b1ab64e6273cc0745aec0115c7f201491c952d824fb3

Telegram Briefly Removed From Apple App Store Over Content Violation Concerns, Restored After Action Taken

FIFA has apologised for its handling of the now-abandoned proposal to open the FIFA World Cup to private investment, admitting mistakes were made throughout the process while reaffirming its full support for president Gianni Infantino despite mounting calls for his resignation.
The governing body issued the apology following an emergency leadership meeting in Rabat, Morocco, after the proposal triggered widespread criticism from football associations, politicians and former players around the world.
FIFA Admits Mistakes Over Controversial Proposal
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/30136d9994e31d5c77b314a2cd34fe0318be567c09050cfa4b2dc4cb5effd6b9" />
In a joint statement signed by Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstr&ouml;m, FIFA acknowledged that the process surrounding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) had been mishandled.
The organisation admitted member associations and the FIFA Council should not have felt excluded from discussions and also apologised for the way events unfolded after details of the proposal were leaked to the media.
"We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to ensuring they do not happen again," the statement read.
FIFA added that it will conduct a full internal review, with the findings to be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting.
What Was FIFA Forward Enterprise?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/964b34f1d3fbffd0633a2fb9b637ab016502bf95387b5ce265cbd12199aeef98" />
The now-scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) was designed as a new commercial subsidiary that would oversee FIFA's biggest competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and Club World Cup.
FIFA said the venture could have been valued at around US$20 billion (approximately RM85 billion) and potentially raise US$4.2 billion (around RM17.2 billion) through private investment.
Under the proposal:
<ul>
<li>Each of FIFA's 211 member associations would have received a one-off payment of US$20 million in early 2027.</li>
<li>Funding for member associations between 2027 and 2030 would have increased from US$8 million to US$20 million.</li>
</ul>
While FIFA argued the additional funding would accelerate football development worldwide, many football stakeholders feared the plan would effectively commercialise and privatise the sport's most prestigious tournament.
Fierce Opposition Forced FIFA Into A U-Turn
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/13570fe90a1e7e75102bbe4ade84c9b456a18814a4967adde5afdcef01f81a52" />
Instead of winning support, the proposal sparked immediate resistance across global football.
UEFA strongly criticised the idea, describing it as a "shabby, back-room, opaque deal" and reportedly considered boycotting FIFA competitions if the proposal proceeded.
CONCACAF, which governs football across North and Central America and the Caribbean, also condemned the plan and called for "a comprehensive reckoning" with Infantino's leadership.
Several UEFA member associations reportedly withdrew their support for Infantino's expected re-election campaign, while criticism also emerged from political leaders and football legends.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly stated he no longer had confidence in Infantino's leadership, despite Canada having co-hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portuguese football icon Lu&iacute;s Figo delivered one of the strongest criticisms, describing the proposal as a "grubby" and "self-interested" attempt to profit from the World Cup. He argued that Infantino should step down, saying his resignation would be "not too late to save football."
FIFA Board Continues To Back Infantino
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a16c5e934fb7a77bb82a9c5497fdef00742c8ffc4b23b021c24b2c1c1974fd98" />
Despite the growing pressure, FIFA's leadership insisted it still had confidence in its president.
Following the Rabat meeting, members of FIFA's Management Board reaffirmed their "full support" for Infantino, describing him as the only official elected by all 211 FIFA member associations.
The organisation also stressed that although mistakes had been made in the handling of the proposal, it maintained that all actions were carried out in accordance with FIFA's rules and governance framework.
FIFA further stated it would "no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process" following the withdrawal of the proposal.
Internal Divisions Surface
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d3adc574c9820ec24482d895beadcf87b1a764dd8c798b3afe637970322799a0" />
The controversy also exposed signs of internal disagreement within FIFA itself.
Reports revealed that Secretary General Mattias Grafstr&ouml;m had privately criticised the proposal in an internal email before the crisis meeting, reportedly describing the initiative as "sad and reproachable."
However, following the emergency discussions, FIFA presented a united front, with both Grafstr&ouml;m and the Management Board signing the public apology alongside Infantino.
Proposal Officially Withdrawn
FIFA confirmed that the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal has now been officially taken "off the table."
The governing body said the project would have required approval from both the FIFA Council and its member associations before proceeding, but following the backlash, it will no longer be pursued.
Instead, FIFA will focus on rebuilding trust within the football community while reviewing how such major proposals are developed and communicated in future.
Although Infantino has survived the immediate leadership crisis with the backing of FIFA's board, the failed investment plan has left his presidency under increased scrutiny ahead of the next FIFA presidential election, where questions over governance and transparency are expected to remain key issues.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Infantino’s controversial World Cup privatisation plan is scrapped after massive backlash.

799b290f093b1fd7f23faed3f490a091b5c3221200ae9240faefb80238b7933d

FIFA Apologises After Scrapping Controversial World Cup Investment Plan Amid Leadership Backlash

Just days after a Malaysian airline pilot was arrested in Indonesia over an alleged drug trafficking operation, another Malaysian has been detained in a separate case, intensifying concerns over whether international drug syndicates are increasingly recruiting Malaysians as couriers.
The latest arrest involved a 22-year-old Malaysian from Johor, who was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle nearly one kilogram of methamphetamine and more than 1,000 ecstasy pills into Indonesia through Juanda International Airport in Surabaya.
The incident comes amid a string of recent arrests involving Malaysians in Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, prompting calls for stronger cross-border enforcement and tighter security measures at Malaysian airports.
22-Year-Old Allegedly Caught With Drugs Hidden Beneath Corset
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4d50d158f3a851d96a427cc931977bf96d6f96a1fa0bbd1f2ce31ddb0d73237d" />
According to Indonesian authorities, the suspect, identified only by the initials DI, arrived at Juanda International Airport's Terminal 2 on Monday (3 August) aboard Batik Air flight OD352 from Kuala Lumpur.
During an inspection, officers reportedly discovered narcotics concealed beneath a corset wrapped tightly around his body.
Authorities seized four packages containing a total of 990g of methamphetamine and another four packages containing 1,089 ecstasy pills, with the drugs estimated to have a street value of approximately 2.79 billion rupiah (around RM715,000).
Officials also said the seizure potentially prevented the drugs from reaching an estimated 6,500 users.
According to investigators, the suspect claimed he agreed to work as a courier for an international drug trafficking syndicate because he was facing serious financial difficulties and mounting debts.
Juanda Naval Air Base commander Colonel Henoch Nasairus Virzawan said the suspect allegedly attempted to avoid detection by strapping the narcotics beneath the corset, but the concealment was uncovered during security checks.
The suspect and the seized drugs have since been handed over to the Sidoarjo Municipal Police, who are continuing investigations into the wider international trafficking network believed to be behind the operation.
If convicted under Indonesian narcotics laws, he could face between five and 20 years' imprisonment, life imprisonment, or the death penalty.
Follows High-Profile Arrest Of Malaysian Pilot
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/02f61b4b7b3cdea40869696598bb55e8b5122b8e37560869b4058dca09f6a1c8" />
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/5215/malaysian-pilot-faces-death-penalty-in-indonesia-over-alleged-26kg-drug-smuggling-case">Malaysian Pilot Faces Death Penalty In Indonesia Over Alleged 26kg Drug Smuggling Case</a>
The arrest comes less than a week after a Malaysia Airlines second officer was detained at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in another major drug trafficking case.
The 39-year-old pilot was arrested on 28 July after Indonesian customs officers allegedly discovered 70,114 ecstasy pills weighing more than 25kg, together with a small quantity of methamphetamine, inside his luggage shortly after he arrived from Kuala Lumpur.
Investigators said the pilot had allegedly collected the drugs from an apartment in Ampang two days before the flight and was promised RM50,000 to deliver the consignment in Jakarta.
Malaysian police also revealed that the pilot allegedly admitted to carrying out previous smuggling operations, including transporting methamphetamine to Sabah before later moving around 7kg of methamphetamine into Jakarta.
A urine test conducted after his arrest reportedly found traces of methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. Authorities in both Malaysia and Indonesia are now working together to investigate the broader syndicate believed to be responsible.
Growing Pattern Of Malaysians Linked To Drug Smuggling Cases
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6102884e25e8bf121a5b5eb958b900398d50ae37b39b114c4953522a759669db" />
The two Indonesian arrests are not isolated incidents.
Within the past week alone, several Malaysians have also been arrested in neighbouring countries over separate drug trafficking allegations.
In Singapore, a Malaysian was detained at the Woodlands checkpoint after authorities allegedly discovered around 9kg of cannabis and 530g of methamphetamine hidden inside his vehicle.
Meanwhile, Thai authorities arrested three Malaysian men at Hat Yai Railway Station after allegedly attempting to smuggle 87kg of crystal methamphetamine concealed inside suitcases. The trio were reportedly promised the equivalent of about RM24,000 for the delivery.
The succession of cases has sparked concerns that organised criminal syndicates may be actively targeting Malaysians from different backgrounds rather than relying on traditional drug couriers.
Expert Warns Syndicates May Be Exploiting Vulnerable Malaysians
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bb70d7d047850c0a53a483df165807655d09501d7354f138643ea26ae2025ba6" />
Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Theft (MARAST) founder Dave Avran believes the recent arrests point towards a worrying trend rather than isolated incidents.
According to him, international drug syndicates appear to be recruiting Malaysians from all walks of life, particularly individuals experiencing financial hardship.
He noted that the recent suspects include a commercial airline pilot, a young man struggling with debt and several others arrested across neighbouring countries, suggesting syndicates are broadening their recruitment methods.
Avran said Malaysia's strategic location between Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia makes it an attractive transit point for international drug trafficking operations.
He urged authorities to treat these cases not only as narcotics investigations but also as border security issues requiring greater intelligence sharing between the Royal Malaysia Police, Customs Department, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency and regional enforcement partners.
At the same time, he stressed that everyone arrested overseas remains innocent until proven guilty in court.
Malaysia Reviewing Airport Security Measures
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/17227bf870d21ca39106b665622cf9aa181a8d4fe0458a8dd802161965343edf" />
The recent arrests have also prompted the Malaysian government to review security procedures at the country's airports.
Communications Minister and Government Spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet is considering several measures following the pilot's arrest, including tighter aviation security and more rigorous screening procedures.
Among the proposals being studied are increased police deployment alongside Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) Aviation Security personnel, as well as a review of background checks and health screening protocols for pilots and co-pilots.
Authorities are also examining possible loopholes that may have enabled the alleged smuggling attempts to bypass airport security.
Police have already identified several leads in the pilot's case and are continuing investigations with Indonesian authorities to trace the syndicate's operations, identify additional suspects and dismantle the wider trafficking network.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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A series of drug arrests involving Malaysians abroad has raised concerns over cross-border trafficking networks.

54da019841943c1a7d3bd57fd000d3af0e1e5efb4346c31dd48dc05d98271e5b

Another Malaysian Arrested In Indonesia As Drug Smuggling Cases Raise Cross-Border Security Concerns

Licensed social media platforms operating in Malaysia are now required to verify users' ages using official identification documents, such as MyKad or passports, as part of new measures aimed at protecting children online.
The Ministry of Communications confirmed in a written parliamentary reply that the requirement has been in force since 1 June 2026 under the Child Protection Code (CPC), introduced through the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866). The rule applies to licensed social media service providers, including major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, ensuring that only individuals aged 16 and above are allowed to register for and maintain accounts.
Age Verification Now Mandatory
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/13927103869a9ad2b459ac5e89cdc480abdba05b83f90e4f510f4b286f6b0590" />
Under the new framework, licensed platforms must implement age verification systems using recognised official documents, including MyKad, passports, birth certificates or other approved forms of identification.
The Ministry said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is actively monitoring compliance with the Child Protection Code. It has also issued written notices under Subsection 30(2) of the Online Safety Act 2025 to licensed service providers, requiring them to explain any instances of non-compliance and outline the measures they have taken to introduce age verification mechanisms.
The requirement forms part of the government's wider effort to create a safer digital environment for children by limiting their exposure to cyberbullying, harmful online content, sexual exploitation and excessive social media use.
Heavy Penalties For Non-Compliance
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/cd7b30f8320b23261266c1ddba7d8674bba97f300349deccb44419cf1ad1ae53" />
Social media companies that fail to comply with the Online Safety Act could face substantial financial consequences.
Under Act 866, licensed service providers found guilty of breaching the regulations may be fined up to RM1 million, with an additional RM100,000 for every day the offence continues.
In addition, the MCMC has the authority to issue Notices of Non-Compliance and impose financial penalties of up to RM10 million, depending on the severity of the breach.
The Ministry revealed these details while responding to a parliamentary question from Senator Norhasmimi Abdul Ghani regarding the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act and Child Protection Code in safeguarding children online.
MCMC Steps Up Online Enforcement
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/2752f911cf47796ab61f98dc8e8254430c25677fb16bcead36cd5e00c47b812b" />
Alongside enforcing age verification, the Ministry highlighted the MCMC's broader efforts to combat harmful online content and digital crimes.
Between 1 January 2022 and 31 July 2026, the regulator submitted 292,102 content takedown requests, with 279,875 items successfully removed &mdash; representing a 96% removal rate.
For unauthorised advertisements, products and services, MCMC submitted 20,114 takedown requests, resulting in 17,285 pieces of content being removed, an effectiveness rate of around 86%.
During the same period, authorities also blocked 17,418 websites. Of these, 5,103 cases (29%) fell directly under MCMC's jurisdiction, while the remaining 12,315 cases (71%) were handled by other enforcement agencies.
According to the Ministry, enforcement actions&mdash;including content removal, account suspension and website blocking&mdash;are carried out after assessing complaints, reviewing platform community guidelines and applying relevant Malaysian laws.
These figures were disclosed in response to a separate parliamentary question from Senator Musoddak Ahmad concerning the responsibilities of licensed social media platforms in tackling misleading paid advertisements, fake accounts and harmful online content.
Continued Action Against Harmful Content
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/783325754e4e4770a00c3b9282c5af9bc53f383b3a3d27cacaa605d527953cdd" />
The Ministry also shared enforcement statistics relating to online content involving sensitive 3R issues&mdash;race, religion and royalty.
From 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2026, the MCMC submitted 14,169 requests for the removal of 3R-related content. Of these, 8,750 posts, or 62%, were successfully taken down based on complaints received, platform community guidelines and applicable Malaysian laws.
Over the same period, the regulator investigated 462 offences under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) involving 3R-related content. A total of 22 cases were prosecuted, with 16 cases concluded and six still pending before the courts.
The statistics were provided in response to another parliamentary question from Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda regarding enforcement against individuals who repeatedly misuse digital platforms to incite public unrest, provoke tensions or disrupt public order.
Part Of Malaysia's Broader Online Safety Push
The mandatory age verification requirement marks one of the most significant changes introduced under Malaysia's Online Safety Act, placing greater responsibility on licensed social media companies to verify users' identities before allowing them to create accounts.
With enforcement now underway and the MCMC actively monitoring compliance, the government says the measures are intended to strengthen child protection online while improving accountability among digital platforms operating in Malaysia.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Licensed social media platforms must now verify users' ages using official documents such as MyKad or passports.

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Malaysia's Mandatory Social Media Age Verification Has Been Enforced Since 1 June

Malaysia may soon have a new way of improving highway traffic flow &mdash; not by raising speed limits, but by encouraging drivers to avoid travelling too slowly in the wrong lane.
The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has launched a three-month proof-of-concept (POC) trial introducing advisory minimum speed limits on selected stretches of the PLUS Highway and South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE). The initiative, known as Had Laju Nasihat Minimum, began on 1 August and will run until 31 October 2026.
Developed in collaboration with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), PLUS Malaysia Berhad and SKVE Holdings, the trial aims to improve lane discipline, reduce lane hogging and ease the "phantom traffic jams" that often frustrate motorists despite the absence of accidents or roadworks.
Advisory Speeds, Not A New Speed Limit
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c22a2583c1404d04e69a2abd9c3dac50b4cc204704608492db9f2cd69e85a21f" />
Unlike conventional speed limits, the figures displayed during the trial are recommendations rather than legally enforceable minimum speeds.
Motorists will not be issued summonses for travelling below the advisory speed, and existing maximum speed limits remain unchanged. Drivers are also expected to adjust their speed whenever road conditions require it, including during:
<ul>
<li>Heavy traffic congestion</li>
<li>Heavy rain or severe weather</li>
<li>Poor visibility</li>
<li>Road accidents or obstructions</li>
<li>Roadworks or lane closures</li>
<li>Instructions from enforcement officers or highway personnel</li>
</ul>
MIROS stressed that the initiative is intended to guide drivers in choosing the most appropriate lane based on their travelling speed, rather than encouraging faster driving.
Recommended Speed For Every Lane
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/09e487bf31b0e5df9d5e17c780dd8073d90e701a67b6570091205c12f4e8a0a1" />
The advisory speeds vary according to the number of lanes on each highway section.
For two-lane highways, motorists are encouraged to travel at 80km/h in the right overtaking lane and 60km/h in the left cruising lane.
On three-lane highways, the recommended speeds are 100km/h for the right lane, 80km/h for the middle lane and 60km/h for the left lane.
Meanwhile, four-lane highways adopt a similar approach, with the rightmost lane carrying a recommended 100km/h, followed by 80km/h in the next lane, while the remaining two left lanes are set at 60km/h.
Drivers are advised to follow the overhead signboards installed at the trial locations, which display the recommended minimum speed for each lane.
Three Highway Sections Selected
The trial is currently taking place along three high-traffic corridors chosen based on traffic conditions, congestion patterns and infrastructure suitability:
<ul>
<li>PLUS E1 Northbound: Tanjung Malim to Behrang (KM400.1 to KM388.0)</li>
<li>PLUS E2 Northbound: Bandar Ainsdale to Nilai (KM267.8 to KM278.8)</li>
<li>SKVE E26: Ayer Hitam Toll Plaza to Bandar Saujana Putra (KM9.6 to KM16.7)</li>
</ul>
According to MIROS, these stretches were selected because they frequently experience unexplained congestion, have limited entry and exit points, and are free from AWAS speed enforcement cameras, allowing researchers to better assess traffic behaviour throughout the trial.
Traffic data and public feedback collected during the three-month period will help determine whether the initiative should be expanded to other highways across the country.
Tackling Lane Hogging And "Phantom Jams"
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3b8764c7c1933953c7386f03a99646b8c5a27c729ca4cee4eed45a6146f42e9d" />
One of the main objectives of the trial is to address lane hogging, particularly drivers travelling well below the normal flow of traffic while remaining in the right overtaking lane.
According to MIROS, when a slower vehicle occupies the fast lane, vehicles behind are forced to brake or change lanes unexpectedly. These repeated braking movements create ripple effects that can eventually develop into so-called phantom traffic jams&mdash;sudden congestion with no visible cause.
Large differences in speed between vehicles also increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions and dangerous lane-changing manoeuvres, especially when motorists attempt to overtake from the left.
Research has consistently shown that maintaining a more consistent traffic flow, rather than simply increasing speed, plays a significant role in improving highway safety and reducing congestion.
Encouraging Better Lane Discipline
As part of the campaign, MIROS is encouraging motorists to:
<ul>
<li>Choose the lane that matches their travelling speed.</li>
<li>Use the right lane primarily for overtaking.</li>
<li>Return to the left lane after completing an overtaking manoeuvre.</li>
<li>Avoid overtaking slower vehicles from the left whenever possible.</li>
<li>Maintain a safe following distance.</li>
<li>Give way to faster-moving vehicles approaching from behind in the overtaking lane.</li>
</ul>
The organisation's campaign slogan, "Jangan jadi punca trafik terganggu" ("Don't be the cause of disrupted traffic"), reinforces the message that proper lane discipline benefits all road users.
Lane Hogging Already Carries A Penalty
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f2225ee4dce2088d4d40d5377bbdc1ebae26d4979e0c104d6f10ee331e822ece" />
Although the advisory minimum speeds themselves are not enforceable, motorists should remember that lane hogging is already an offence under Malaysian road transport laws.
Drivers who unnecessarily obstruct traffic by remaining in the overtaking lane without passing other vehicles can face compound fines of up to RM2,000.
Heavy commercial vehicles must also continue complying with existing lane restrictions and maximum speed regulations, as the new advisory signs do not override current traffic laws.
Trial Will Determine Future Rollout
For now, MIROS describes the initiative as a research project designed to evaluate whether advisory minimum speed signage can improve traffic flow and road safety on Malaysian expressways.
If the findings show positive results, the concept could eventually be expanded to additional highways nationwide.
While the trial does not introduce a mandatory minimum speed limit, it serves as a reminder that safe highway driving is not only about avoiding excessive speed. Driving too slowly in the wrong lane can also disrupt traffic, increase crash risks and contribute to unnecessary congestion.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to encourage motorists to use the appropriate lane for their speed, helping create a smoother, safer and more predictable driving experience for everyone.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Could minimum speed advisories be the answer to Malaysia's lane hogging problem? MIROS has begun a three-month highway trial on selected routes.

Breaking Tradition: 'Pendatang,' Malaysia's First Crowdsourced Film, Chooses YouTube Premiere To Dodge LPF Censorship

Imagine Malaysia actually implement the segregation act 😱

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