Malaysia: What Malaysia’s New Online Safety Act Means for You

Written By Jerry Sin

As of 1 January, 2026, the digital landscape in Malaysia has changed. The newly enforced Online Safety Act 2025 is now in effect, requiring app makers and service providers to take a proactive stance on user safety.

What changes can users expect? Under the new law, platforms are now legally required to:

  • Reduce Harmful Content: Implement measures to stop the spread of dangerous or toxic content.

  • Empower Users: Provide clear tools to manage privacy, report abuse, and block unwanted interactions.

  • Protect Children: Introduce specific safeguards for younger users, such as stricter content filters.

  • Act Fast: Remove high-priority harmful content immediately upon detection.

Does this affect private chats? No. The Act explicitly exempts private messaging features, ensuring that your personal conversations remain confidential.

Enforcement To ensure companies take this seriously, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can impose penalties of up to MYR 10 million (~$2.3 million USD) for non-compliance.

For more information, document is officially published - here

Jerry Sin
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