MCMC urged to find mechanism to curb misuse of Facebook

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been urged to find the best mechanism to curb users from spreading lies and false news through social website Facebook (FB).

Pahang Women and Family Development, Communications and Multimedia Committee chairman Datuk Shahaniza Shamsuddin said they currently cannot ban Facebook as it also has advantages as a medium of communication and provides information to the people.

"We may not be able to ban FB as done by the Chinese government. But the MCMC can impose stringent laws on users, as many cases involving the spread of lies on FB cannot be proved and the offender cannot be caught," she said.

She was speaking to reporters after officiating the Pahang Skill Development Centre (PSDC) College Student Excellence Award Ceremony January 2014 session, here today. Also present was PSDC College Chief Executive Khairur Rizal Ramli.

Shahaniza was asked to comment on the government's stand today, after deciding not to ban Facebook as it would affect the people, especially online businesses.

Previously, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the government was ready to study the feasibility of banning Facebook following misuse of the website.