Malaysia: Communications and Multimedia Commission announced investigation over alleged false narratives pertaining to race, religion and royalty on Facebook and TikTok

On 13 February 2026, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced an investigation under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 into the spread of false narratives relating to race, religion, and royalty (3R) on social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok. The investigation concerns viral content relating to an accident in Selangor, which the Royal Malaysia Police clarified arose from a personal land access dispute. MCMC identified coordinated inauthentic behaviour involving the repeated dissemination of identical and sensationalised racialised content intended to manipulate public perception. At least 40 Facebook accounts and 10 TikTok accounts are under examination. Section 233(1)(a) criminalises the transmission of content that is false, menacing, or grossly offensive with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass. Investigations are ongoing, and enforcement action may follow if legal breaches are confirmed.