Fahmi asks MCMC to clarify Meta’s response on WhatsApp issues

PUTRAJAYA, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 30 — Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to issue a formal public statement clarifying the response provided by Meta regarding widespread issues involving hacked and deactivated WhatsApp accounts.

The directive comes as MCMC continues to review a surge in complaints from users whose WhatsApp accounts have reportedly been hacked, blocked, or rendered inaccessible. The commission has acknowledged these public concerns and has formally referred the cases to Meta for clarification and further action.

In its initial assessment, MCMC stressed a critical technical distinction, noting that account takeovers or hacking incidents and account blocking are two separate issues that require different regulatory and technical approaches.

Meta was previously given a deadline to submit its response to the issues raised by MCMC. According to Fahmi, the company had requested until 3 pm on the preceding Monday to finalize and submit its official reply. The minister indicated that once MCMC has fully processed this submission, it will release a statement that outlines Meta’s position and any subsequent actions planned to address the user complaints.

Fahmi’s comments underscore the government’s active role in overseeing digital platform governance, particularly as WhatsApp remains a primary communication tool for millions of Malaysians. The involvement of the Chief Executive of MCMC in direct dialogue with Meta reflects the escalating scrutiny on major tech firms regarding data security and account management practices.

The minister’s insistence on a public statement suggests a move toward greater transparency in how regulatory bodies handle disputes with global technology companies, ensuring that the public is informed about the status of their complaints and the measures being taken to resolve them.

In a separate development announced at the same press conference, Fahmi revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, to engage with alumni of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The objective of this engagement is to explore ways to increase the involvement of UiTM graduates in government discussions and policy formulation.

Fahmi, who serves as the Madani Government spokesman, explained that this initiative follows a recent meeting between the Prime Minister and UiTM alumni. He noted that the gathering brought together many experienced individuals, including prominent figures from the corporate sector, who demonstrated extensive expertise and expressed a strong willingness to contribute to national efforts.

“The Prime Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary to engage with UiTM alumni to discuss ways they can become more involved, particularly in discussions involving certain ministries for the national interest,” Fahmi said. He added that during the meeting, many alumni highlighted their professional backgrounds and their readiness to participate in joint efforts with the government.

This move signals a strategic effort by the administration to leverage the human capital and industry experience of UiTM graduates, who form a significant portion of the country’s workforce. By integrating these professionals into ministry-level discussions, the government aims to enhance the quality of policy dialogue and ensure that national interests are addressed with input from seasoned practitioners in various sectors.

The dual focus on digital regulation and human capital development illustrates the government’s broader agenda to modernize public administration and strengthen its engagement with both the private sector and civil society. While the MCMC-Meta issue addresses immediate consumer protection concerns in the digital economy, the UiTM alumni initiative represents a longer-term strategy to build a more inclusive and expert-driven governance framework.

Fahmi’s announcement concludes with the expectation that MCMC will soon release the clarifying statement regarding Meta’s response, providing closure to the ongoing debate over WhatsApp account security. Simultaneously, the engagement with UiTM alumni is set to commence, marking a new phase in the government’s approach to utilizing private sector expertise for public policy. Both developments highlight the administration’s proactive stance in addressing contemporary challenges in technology and governance.

Related: Meta · MCMC · Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil · Putrajaya