KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Social media platforms operating in Malaysia must respect and comply with the country’s laws, particularly those relating to online safety and the protection of children, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.

He said the reminder comes as the government begins enforcing age-verification requirements for social media account registration from today through the implementation of the Child Protection Code (CPC) and Risk Mitigation Code (RMC).

Fahmi said the two codes, introduced under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA), represent a crucial first step in protecting individuals under the age of 16 from online harm.

“This is only the first step. There are further measures that we need to take, including against platforms that fail to comply. Some platforms seem to think they are bigger than our country.

“You cannot have your cake and eat it too. If you want to do business and operate in our country, major platforms must respect our laws,” he told Bernama after attending the Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with the Official Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara today.

Beginning today, Malaysia requires age verification for the registration of new social media accounts to ensure that individuals below the age of 16 are no longer allowed to open such accounts.

For existing users, age verification will be implemented progressively over a period of up to six months by the respective social media service providers.

Under the new regulations, users registering for accounts must provide official government-issued identification documents, such as a MyKad, passport or MyDigital ID, to verify their age.

The requirement applies to licensed social media services, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — The federal government today dismissed speculation of an early nationwide poll despite the dissolution of the state legislative assemblies in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said there have been no discussions on holding an early general election.

“At this time, there are no discussions regarding any effort to hold an early general election,” the government spokesman said at the Communications Ministry here this afternoon.

The clarification comes amid heightened political attention following the dissolution of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state assemblies, which has fuelled speculation over possible spillover effects on federal politics.

Fahmi said the federal coalition government remains stable and unaffected by recent developments.

“There is no impact on the Unity government at the federal level,” he said, adding that the administration continues to function normally, including at Cabinet meetings.

He noted that the dissolutions in Johor and Negeri Sembilan followed constitutional processes after the respective menteri besar obtained royal assent from their state rulers.

Fahmi also moved to dispel speculation that a Cabinet photo session earlier today was linked to preparations for a parliamentary dissolution.

“That’s incorrect. So, the prime minister informed today that it was his wish for a photo session as there were new ministers being appointed into the Cabinet,” he said.

“The appointments and reshuffling were made last December and there wasn’t an opportunity to have a photo session.

“So the photo session has nothing to do with Parliament being dissolved. The timing was simply convenient as ministers were already gathered in Putrajaya for the ceremonial parade event and were dressed in official attire.

“There is no issue. It is a normal matter and has nothing to do with the dissolution of Parliament,” he added.

When asked about the annual PKR congress, Fahmi said any decision on its scheduling would be discussed at the party’s central leadership council meeting in Johor tomorrow.

“So let’s wait for tomorrow,” he said.

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has stressed that the suspension of access to the MyKhas portal for the Members of Parliament (MPs) for Petaling Jaya and Subang does not affect their rights or functions as elected representatives.

In fact, he said allocations channelled through the MyKhas platform are special funds under the prime minister’s purview and are separate from the facilities and entitlements provided to MPs through Parliament.

The communications minister also said residents in both constituencies would continue to have access to assistance despite the restrictions.

“The Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM) has clarified that residents in both parliamentary constituencies may still submit applications, which will be assessed and approved directly by the ICU.

“As such, there is no issue regarding applications or the allocation of funds,” he told a press conference after the Cabinet meeting today.

Fahmi was responding to claims by Subang MP Wong Chen and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung that their offices had been denied access to the MyKhas system, affecting applications for People-Friendly Projects (PMR) allocations in their constituencies.

Yesterday, the ICU JPM assured the public that all allocations intended for the people would continue to be disbursed and managed directly to ensure that public welfare remains unaffected.

The agency also said it would continue carrying out its coordinating role in an orderly manner to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of government programmes and initiatives for the benefit of the public. — Bernama

KUANTAN, June 6 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has conveyed his condolences to the family of Pahang PKR leader Abas Awang, who died yesterday.

In a Facebook post today, Fahmi said Abas’s contributions, sacrifices and service to the party and the people will always be remembered.

“My condolences to all his family members. May you be granted strength, fortitude, and may all your affairs be made easy,” he said.

Abas died at his residence in Section 4, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.

He was the PKR candidate for the Bera parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election and had led the PKR Education Bureau for about a decade. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9— Special Function Officer to the Home Minister, Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Community Communications Department (J-KOM).

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the appointment took effect yesterday.

Mohd Hisyamuddin replaces Datuk Ismail Yusop, whose service ended on Sunday after leading the department for more than a year.

“May he continue to excel in carrying out the trust placed in him to strengthen effective government communication that earns the confidence of the people,” Shamsul Azri said in a Facebook post.

A photograph shared with the announcement showed that the appointment was witnessed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Shamsul Azri also recorded his appreciation to Ismail for his service and contributions throughout his tenure at the department. — Bernama

BATU PAHAT, June 6 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Annual Congress has been postponed to Aug 14-16 to allow the party to focus on preparations for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the decision was made at the party’s monthly Political Bureau and Central Leadership Council (MPP) meeting held here today.

He said the congress, originally scheduled for June 26-28, would still be held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh, Melaka.

“The postponement will provide PKR Johor and Negeri Sembilan with more time to strengthen preparations for the upcoming state polls,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the meeting also appointed Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and PKR Johor chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa as vice-presidents.

“The appointments are aimed at further strengthening the party’s organisation and operations at the central level,” he said. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed that all aspects of government digital service development be carried out internally to safeguard data security and sovereignty.

Madani Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also communications minister, said the prime minister conveyed the directive during the Cabinet meeting today.

Fahmi said the internal development of digital services would be coordinated by the Ministry of Digital through the National Digital Department.

“This takes into account data security and sovereignty aspects, direct access to source code, as well as talent development, particularly among civil servants,” he told a post-Cabinet meeting press conference here today.

In another development, Fahmi said the prime minister had instructed that firm action be taken against any party found abusing licences, visas or business facilities in the country.

“We leave it to the relevant authorities to take action in accordance with the law, and we remind all business operators to always comply with regulations and laws, especially those holding licences to conduct business or undertake commercial activities,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Politicians and Malaysians in general should heed and uphold the call by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for the people to embrace and practise the spirit and values of the Rukun Negara in their daily lives, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.

He said Sultan Ibrahim’s reminder of one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history, the May 13, 1969 incident, should be taken seriously by all parties to ensure that such an event never recurs and that the country’s unity and harmony continue to be preserved.

Fahmi, who is also the Unity Government spokesperson, described His Majesty’s remarks as a timely and important reminder that should serve as a guide for all Malaysians.

“I respectfully uphold His Majesty’s call, and I believe politicians across the country will do the same.

“This is an important reminder for all of us. I believe many people, including politicians, will heed His Majesty’s call to embrace the spirit of the Rukun Negara, and to deepen their understanding, appreciation and practice of its values,” he said.

He said this to Bernama after the investiture ceremony for Federal awards, honours and medals held in conjunction with the King’s official birthday celebration at Istana Negara today.

Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, graced the ceremony.

In his Royal Address, the King reminded Malaysians to embrace the spirit of the Rukun Negara and stressed that anyone unwilling to uphold its principles is not worthy to be called a Malaysian citizen.

His Majesty also called on all political leaders to uphold proper conduct and decorum, and to exercise caution when making public statements.

Sultan Ibrahim said politicians should refrain from provoking sensitive issues, especially ahead of election periods, which often become a platform for individuals to seek prominence and win public support.

Also present at the investiture ceremony were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; and members of the Cabinet.

A total of 161 individuals received Federal awards, honours and medals in conjunction with this year’s official birthday celebration of His Majesty the King. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Members of the Cabinet today extended their congratulations and offered prayers in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the ministry’s staff and the office of the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai.

“With utmost respect and loyalty, I, together with all staff of the Ministry of Communications and the office of the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, extend our respectful salutations to His Majesty,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said prayed that His Majesty would be blessed with divine grace to continue safeguarding the people with wisdom, dignity and compassion for the prosperity and well-being of the nation.

“Together with all Malaysians, I pray that Allah SWT grants His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen long life and abundant blessings, bestows upon them continued good health and lasting well-being, and keeps them under His protection and care at all times,” she said in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, in a Facebook post, prayed that His Majesty’s reign, wisdom and compassion would continue to serve as a unifying force for Malaysians of diverse races, religions and cultures, fostering national unity and harmony.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also prayed to Allah SWT to bestow His blessings and guidance upon His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and the entire Johor royal family, and to grant them continued good health and enduring sovereignty.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir also extended his congratulations, praying that His Majesty and the royal family be blessed with lasting good health, longevity and prosperity, and continue to safeguard the nation and its people with wisdom and compassion.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, likewise, extended his highest congratulations and heartfelt loyalty to His Majesty in conjunction with the historic occasion. 

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, in a Facebook post, expressed hope that His Majesty’s reign would continue to inspire the people to preserve peace and strengthen national unity.

“May Malaysia continue to be blessed with peace, prosperity and unity, while all Malaysians enjoy a life of well-being, harmony and progress,” he said.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also prayed that His Majesty would continue to be blessed with good health as he reigns under the system of Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy.

Congratulatory messages were also conveyed by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek; Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

Others who also extended their greetings and best wishes included Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh; Youth and Sports Minister Dr Muhammed Taufiq Johari; and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. — Bernama