The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating a video of a group of individuals, believed to be influencers, giving food waste to a homeless person.
In a statement, MCMC said it takes a serious view of content that exploits marginalised groups for “cheap entertainment” and to drive engagement on social media platforms.
“The dissemination of content that demeans or insults the dignity of individuals is unethical and contributes to the normalisation of inhumane behaviour in society,” it said.
“The public is reminded not to share or upload any provocative content that could disturb public order,” MCMC said, adding that it launched the probe after public complaints about the video.
The internet regulator said that the sharing of offensive, false, or threatening content may be subject to action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which provides for a two-year jail term, a fine of RM500,000, or both, upon conviction.
A social media user yesterday apologised for a publicity stunt in which he and two others had given a homeless man a packet of rice with chicken bones.
The purported social media influencer said the homeless man had agreed to help him and his friends with the video, and that the trio had later bought him a full meal with two pieces of fried chicken.
The initial video, which has since been deleted, sparked a backlash from netizens with calls for an investigation, including by Semambu assemblyman Chan Chun Kuang.
