Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has obtained a temporary court order against Telegram, accusing the messaging platform of allowing the dissemination of harmful and illegal content on its channels. The action is part of the government’s ongoing effort to regulate online platforms under newly enacted digital safety laws.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the court order was granted after Telegram allegedly failed to respond adequately to repeated reports regarding harmful content hosted on its platform.
Telegram Channels Targeted for Spreading Harmful Content
The court order specifically names two Telegram channels:
- Edisi Siasat
- Edisi Khas
The MCMC claims that the content shared on these channels undermines public trust in national institutions and has the potential to disrupt societal harmony. While the commission did not specify the exact nature of the content, it confirmed that a Malaysian high court has issued an interim injunction to halt further dissemination and prevent republication of similar materials.
Telegram to Receive Fair Legal Process
Telegram has not yet publicly commented on the court order. However, the MCMC emphasised that the platform would be granted a fair opportunity to respond in court, in accordance with justice and fundamental rights.
“Telegram will be given a fair opportunity to present its defence in line with the principles of justice and fundamental rights,” the commission said.
New Social Media Licensing Law Enforced
The court order comes in the wake of Malaysia’s new social media licensing law, introduced in January 2025. Under this law, platforms and messaging services with more than 8 million users in Malaysia are required to obtain a local license or face legal action.
The law is designed to combat the rise of cybercrime and tackle harmful content online, following a significant increase in:
- Online scams
- Cyberbullying
- Grooming and child exploitation
- Online gambling
- Content touching on race, religion, and royalty (3Rs)
Malaysia’s Broader Push for Online Safety
Malaysian authorities have ramped up enforcement actions in 2025 as part of a national initiative to ensure online safety, especially across platforms that operate with minimal content moderation policies. The government has consistently called on global tech firms to take stronger measures in dealing with reported content.
The case against Telegram marks a significant test of Malaysia’s regulatory powers, particularly in enforcing compliance from foreign-based tech companies operating in the country without physical offices. Malaysia’s temporary injunction against Telegram highlights the rising global trend of governments pushing for greater accountability from tech platforms. As the legal process unfolds, the case will serve as a precedent for how nations can balance digital freedom with the need to curb harmful content in the digital age.
