KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 30): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is demanding a comprehensive explanation from Meta regarding issues involving WhatsApp accounts that have been suspended, rendered inaccessible, or accessed without authorisation.

In a statement Wednesday, the MCMC informed that a total of 92 complaints related to the issue have been received by the commission so far.

According to the commission, an official request was submitted to Meta on Sept 25, followed by discussions with the technology company on Sept 28.

"Meta has requested until Oct 2 to provide feedback regarding the matter. The MCMC urges Meta to provide a comprehensive explanation as well as an immediate solution for the affected user accounts, and will determine subsequent actions based on that feedback," the statement read.

Earlier Wednesday, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said he had instructed the MCMC to issue a statement clarifying Meta's response regarding the issues of hacking and the deactivation of WhatsApp accounts.

He added that he has yet to receive updates on the outcome of the discussions between the MCMC and Meta concerning the matter.

Earlier, the MCMC announced that it was examining the complaints received and had forwarded the relevant cases to Meta for clarification and further action. The commission also explained that account takeovers or hacking, and account blocking, are two different matters.

According to the MCMC, accounts hacked by irresponsible parties risk being misused for scam activities, spam, or violations of WhatsApp's terms of service, which can ultimately lead to the accounts being blocked by the platform.

Uploaded by Magessan Varatharaja