Malaysia on Monday started enforcing new regulations that prohibit children under the age of 16 from owning social media accounts, becoming part of a global effort to strengthen online safety measures for young users. Under the rules, social media companies must introduce age-verification mechanisms and block users under 16 from creating accounts on any social media platform. The regulations apply to platforms that include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Over the move, the Malaysian government warned the companies that it could face fines up to 10 million ringgit ($2.5 million) if they fail to comply. However, parents whose children manage to circumvent the restrictions will not be held responsible. The government also said that the measures are designed to shield minors from harmful content, cyberbullying and platform features designed to promote excessive use.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwait-air-defenses-intercept-hostile-missile-and-drone-attacks-1780287170523">Kuwait air defenses intercept 'hostile' missile and drone attacks</a> Malaysia joins countries such as Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, which have already implemented or proposed similar age-related social media restrictions. Other nations, including Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea, are also exploring comparable measures.<h3>Protections for younger users</h3>The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission clarified that the regulations are not meant to restrict children's access to the internet or digital technology. Instead, they are intended to ensure that online platforms take greater responsibility for preventing digital harms and providing appropriate protections for younger users.“These measures help strengthen the protection of children in the online environment, while providing added reassurance to parents in navigating increasingly complex digital risks," the regulator said in a statement last month.&nbsp;Platforms will be required to come up with safety-by-design features that include protections against manipulative design that bolsters compulsive use, and initiate action against underage accounts and harmful content. Meanwhile, technology companies are yet to describe their compliance with Malaysia’s new requirements. &nbsp;

Malaysia has begun enforcing a ban on social media accounts for children under 16. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube must verify users' ages or face fines of up to 10 million ringgit. The move aims to protect minors from cyberbullying and harmful online content.

Malaysia on Monday started enforcing new regulations that prohibit children under the age of 16 from owning social media accounts, becoming part of a global effort to strengthen online safety measures for young users. Under the rules, social media companies must introduce age-verification mechanisms and block users under 16 from creating accounts on any social media platform. The regulations apply to platforms that include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Over the move, the Malaysian government warned the companies that it could face fines up to 10 million ringgit ($2.5 million) if they fail to comply. However, parents whose children manage to circumvent the restrictions will not be held responsible. The government also said that the measures are designed to shield minors from harmful content, cyberbullying and platform features designed to promote excessive use. Also read: Kuwait air defenses intercept 'hostile' missile and drone attacks Malaysia joins countries such as Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, which have already implemented or proposed similar age-related social media restrictions. Other nations, including Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea, are also exploring comparable measures. Protections for younger users The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission clarified that the regulations are not meant to restrict children's access to the internet or digital technology. Instead, they are intended to ensure that online platforms take greater responsibility for preventing digital harms and providing appropriate protections for younger users. “These measures help strengthen the protection of children in the online environment, while providing added reassurance to parents in navigating increasingly complex digital risks," the regulator said in a statement last month. Platforms will be required to come up with safety-by-design features that include protections against manipulative design that bolsters compulsive use, and initiate action against underage accounts and harmful content. Meanwhile, technology companies are yet to describe their compliance with Malaysia’s new requirements.

Malaysia has begun enforcing a ban on social media accounts for children under 16. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube must verify users' ages or face fines of up to 10 million ringgit. The move aims to protect minors from cyberbullying and harmful online content.

Malaysia bans social media accounts for children under 16, warns companies of $2.5 million fines

The heirs of a 19th-century sultanate are attempting to take Malaysian government assets all over the world, despite a stay of the case issued by a French judge.&nbsp;Talking to Reuters their attorneys said that the heirs&nbsp;are merely&nbsp;attempting&nbsp;to execute a $14.9 billion arbitration verdict they had&nbsp;obtained against the Southeast Asian country. The verdict in question is in connection to a land deal from the colonial era.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Sultan in question had made a deal with a British trading company in 1878 to allow the company to exploit resources in the territory he controlled, including what is now the oil-rich Malaysian state of Sabah, on the northern tip of Borneo. After gaining independence from Britain, Malaysia took over the deal giving the heirs who are&nbsp;Philippine nationals an annual token fee.&nbsp;

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However, the payments were terminated in 2013, with Malaysia claiming that Sabah belonged to its territory and that no one else had any claim to it.&nbsp;The heirs who assert that they are the last Sultan of Sulu's successors-in-interest filed a case soon after.&nbsp;

In order to resolve the conflict over the land deal, a French arbitration court ordered Malaysia to pay the amount to the lineal descendants of the last Sultan of Sulu in February.

However, Malaysia announced on Wednesday that a Paris Court of Appeal has stayed the verdict after concluding that the award's execution may violate the nation's sovereignty.

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The stay, according to law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, would stop the award from being implemented while Malaysia seeks to overturn the decision. Malaysia hadn't previously taken part in the arbitration.

However, attorneys for the claimants assert that the February judgement is still enforceable outside of France under the New York Convention, an international arbitration agreement ratified by 170 nations.

According to Paul Cohen, the heirs' principal co-counsel at the London-based law firm 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, "the'stay' that seems to comfort the Malaysian government temporarily delays local enforcement in one country, France itself," adding "It does not apply to the other 169."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The heirs of a 19th-century sultanate are attempting to take Malaysian government assets all over the world, despite a stay of the case issued by a French judge.

The heirs of a 19th-century sultanate are attempting to take Malaysian government assets all over the world, despite a stay of the case issued by a French judge. Talking to Reuters their attorneys said that the heirs are merely attempting to execute a $14.9 billion arbitration verdict they had obtained against the Southeast Asian country. The verdict in question is in connection to a land deal from the colonial era. The Sultan in question had made a deal with a British trading company in 1878 to allow the company to exploit resources in the territory he controlled, including what is now the oil-rich Malaysian state of Sabah, on the northern tip of Borneo. After gaining independence from Britain, Malaysia took over the deal giving the heirs who are Philippine nationals an annual token fee. Watch | World in Pictures: Ukrainian cargo plane crashes in Greece; Spain, Portugal battle wildfires However, the payments were terminated in 2013, with Malaysia claiming that Sabah belonged to its territory and that no one else had any claim to it. The heirs who assert that they are the last Sultan of Sulu's successors-in-interest filed a case soon after. In order to resolve the conflict over the land deal, a French arbitration court ordered Malaysia to pay the amount to the lineal descendants of the last Sultan of Sulu in February. However, Malaysia announced on Wednesday that a Paris Court of Appeal has stayed the verdict after concluding that the award's execution may violate the nation's sovereignty. Also read | 'Good guy with a gun': 3 killed in mass shooting in Indiana, armed onlooker saves the day The stay, according to law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, would stop the award from being implemented while Malaysia seeks to overturn the decision. Malaysia hadn't previously taken part in the arbitration. However, attorneys for the claimants assert that the February judgement is still enforceable outside of France under the New York Convention, an international arbitration agreement ratified by 170 nations. According to Paul Cohen, the heirs' principal co-counsel at the London-based law firm 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, "the'stay' that seems to comfort the Malaysian government temporarily delays local enforcement in one country, France itself," adding "It does not apply to the other 169." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Malaysian government's international assets at stake as heirs of a 19th century sultan claim $15 billion award

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday he has secured a 'formidable' majority from lawmakers to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and form a new government, heralding a fresh bout of political drama in the Southeast Asian country.

The power struggle comes at a difficult time for the multi-ethnic nation, as its export driven economy has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic. The Malaysian ringgit and stocks fell after Anwar's comments.

Anwar now has to convince Malaysia's king, Sultan Abdullah, that he has the numbers to form a government, but as yet no major political party has come out in his support.

The king could instead choose to call for elections on Muhyiddin's advice to end months of political volatility.

Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old coalition has survived on a razor-thin majority, dismissed Anwar's claims as a "mere allegation", telling him to prove his majority through a constitutional process.

"Until proven otherwise, the Perikatan Nasional government remains steadfast and I am the rightful prime minister," Muhyiddin said in a statement referring to his ruling coalition.

Muhyiddin also unveiled an additional economic stimulus package worth 10 billion ringgit ($2.41 billion).

The six major political parties supporting Muhyiddin dismissed Anwar's claim as "cheap publicity" and said in a joint statement that they were firmly behind Muhyiddin, who emerged as leader after the resignation of the previous prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad.

If Anwar finally succeeds in winning power it would mark the culmination of a 22-year long struggle, during which he spent almost 10 years in jail.

"We have a strong, formidable majority. I'm not talking about four, five, six (seats), I'm talking about much more than that," Anwar told reporters. "With these numbers, Muhyiddin has fallen as PM."

Anwar said he commanded support from close to two-thirds of the legislature's 222 lawmakers, without giving actual numbers or disclosing who had pledged support.

He also said he has the support of some lawmakers from Muhyiddin's coalition and that he was open to working with the premier.

Mahathir, whose past feud with Anwar charted the course of Malaysian politics over the past 20 years, said he will "wait to see if this is another episode of making claims that cannot be substantiated," the Edge newspaper reported.

NEXT STEPS

Anwar's next step would be to meet with the king, Sultan Abdullah. The king plays a largely ceremonial role in Malaysia but he could appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority in parliament. He could also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the premier's advice.

Anwar and the palace said he was scheduled to meet with the king on Tuesday but it had to be cancelled as the king was unwell and had to be taken to a hospital.

Analysts said elections were more likely to end the political uncertainty.

"If Anwar has the numbers, snap polls will be very likely," said Adib Zalkapli, director at political consultancy BowerGroupAsia.

Muhyiddin came to power in March after securing a majority with the support of UMNO, which was defeated in the 2018 election. His opponents have accused him of grabbing power by shifting alliances instead of earning it at the ballot box.

Anwar, 73, has had a tumultuous political career. At first a rising star of Malaysian politics and UMNO, he was jailed for sodomy and corruption after being fired as deputy prime minister by Mahathir in 1998.

He was again jailed on sodomy charges in 2015, when Najib Razak was prime minister.

Anwar has described all the charges brought against him as a plot to destroy his political career. He was granted a royal pardon in 2018, as part of the deal with Mahathir for him to succeed the premiership, after the two had forged an alliance to defeat Najib in the 2018 election.

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday he has secured a 'formidable' majority from lawmakers to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and form a new government, heralding a fresh bout of political drama in the Southeast Asian country.

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday he has secured a 'formidable' majority from lawmakers to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and form a new government, heralding a fresh bout of political drama in the Southeast Asian country. The power struggle comes at a difficult time for the multi-ethnic nation, as its export driven economy has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic. The Malaysian ringgit and stocks fell after Anwar's comments. Anwar now has to convince Malaysia's king, Sultan Abdullah, that he has the numbers to form a government, but as yet no major political party has come out in his support. The king could instead choose to call for elections on Muhyiddin's advice to end months of political volatility. Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old coalition has survived on a razor-thin majority, dismissed Anwar's claims as a "mere allegation", telling him to prove his majority through a constitutional process. "Until proven otherwise, the Perikatan Nasional government remains steadfast and I am the rightful prime minister," Muhyiddin said in a statement referring to his ruling coalition. Muhyiddin also unveiled an additional economic stimulus package worth 10 billion ringgit ($2.41 billion). The six major political parties supporting Muhyiddin dismissed Anwar's claim as "cheap publicity" and said in a joint statement that they were firmly behind Muhyiddin, who emerged as leader after the resignation of the previous prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad. If Anwar finally succeeds in winning power it would mark the culmination of a 22-year long struggle, during which he spent almost 10 years in jail. "We have a strong, formidable majority. I'm not talking about four, five, six (seats), I'm talking about much more than that," Anwar told reporters. "With these numbers, Muhyiddin has fallen as PM." Anwar said he commanded support from close to two-thirds of the legislature's 222 lawmakers, without giving actual numbers or disclosing who had pledged support. He also said he has the support of some lawmakers from Muhyiddin's coalition and that he was open to working with the premier. Mahathir, whose past feud with Anwar charted the course of Malaysian politics over the past 20 years, said he will "wait to see if this is another episode of making claims that cannot be substantiated," the Edge newspaper reported. NEXT STEPS Anwar's next step would be to meet with the king, Sultan Abdullah. The king plays a largely ceremonial role in Malaysia but he could appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority in parliament. He could also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the premier's advice. Anwar and the palace said he was scheduled to meet with the king on Tuesday but it had to be cancelled as the king was unwell and had to be taken to a hospital. Analysts said elections were more likely to end the political uncertainty. "If Anwar has the numbers, snap polls will be very likely," said Adib Zalkapli, director at political consultancy BowerGroupAsia. Muhyiddin came to power in March after securing a majority with the support of UMNO, which was defeated in the 2018 election. His opponents have accused him of grabbing power by shifting alliances instead of earning it at the ballot box. Anwar, 73, has had a tumultuous political career. At first a rising star of Malaysian politics and UMNO, he was jailed for sodomy and corruption after being fired as deputy prime minister by Mahathir in 1998. He was again jailed on sodomy charges in 2015, when Najib Razak was prime minister. Anwar has described all the charges brought against him as a plot to destroy his political career. He was granted a royal pardon in 2018, as part of the deal with Mahathir for him to succeed the premiership, after the two had forged an alliance to defeat Najib in the 2018 election.

Malaysia opposition leader Anwar claims 'formidable' majority to form new govt

The 94-year-old Prime Minister of Malaysia has expressed his intention to step down on Thursday.&nbsp;

Without giving an exact date, he has said that he is willing to retire in the next nine months.

Mahathir became Prime Minister for the first time way back in 1981 and officially retired in 2003.

In 2007, Mahathir had bypass surgery after he suffered a couple of heart attacks.

Ten years later, he became the world's oldest head of state after winning historic victory in Malaysia election in 2018. Mahathir decided to run for office again because he was angry at how corrupt the government had become.

Mahathir chairs the ruling four-party coalition called the alliance of hope. 
It includes his influential arch nemesis-turned-ally, Anwar Ibrahim.

According to the coalition agreement, 72-year old Anwar is prime minister-in-waiting.

It was decided that Mahathir would pass on the premiership to Anwar who was then in jail.

The exact date of the handover has not been discussed so far.

According to those close to the Prime Minister say that he will leave the office after he hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in November.

Most observers believe that Mahathir wants to continue in power for the next 3-years and that he could form a new Muslim-based coalition with opposition parties.

Meanwhile, the issue has taken a toll on the government.

Despite bringing political stability it has been hit by scandals and infighting.

It is also facing accusations of not delivering on election promises; all this uncertainty is expected to impact sentiments of those looking to invest in the country.

The 94-year-old Prime Minister of Malaysia has expressed his intention to step down on Thursday. Without giving an exact date, he has said that he is willing to retire in the next nine months.

The 94-year-old Prime Minister of Malaysia has expressed his intention to step down on Thursday. Without giving an exact date, he has said that he is willing to retire in the next nine months. Mahathir became Prime Minister for the first time way back in 1981 and officially retired in 2003. In 2007, Mahathir had bypass surgery after he suffered a couple of heart attacks. Ten years later, he became the world's oldest head of state after winning historic victory in Malaysia election in 2018. Mahathir decided to run for office again because he was angry at how corrupt the government had become. Mahathir chairs the ruling four-party coalition called the alliance of hope. It includes his influential arch nemesis-turned-ally, Anwar Ibrahim. According to the coalition agreement, 72-year old Anwar is prime minister-in-waiting. It was decided that Mahathir would pass on the premiership to Anwar who was then in jail. The exact date of the handover has not been discussed so far. According to those close to the Prime Minister say that he will leave the office after he hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in November. Most observers believe that Mahathir wants to continue in power for the next 3-years and that he could form a new Muslim-based coalition with opposition parties. Meanwhile, the issue has taken a toll on the government. Despite bringing political stability it has been hit by scandals and infighting. It is also facing accusations of not delivering on election promises; all this uncertainty is expected to impact sentiments of those looking to invest in the country.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expresses his intention to step down

The head of Malaysia&#39;s anti-graft body will step down on August 1, the agency said on Thursday, more than two years before the scheduled end of a term that included an investigation of Prime Minister Najib Razak. 
 
The revelations of the investigation, first reported by the Wall Street Journal last year, have shaken investors in Southeast Asia&#39;s third-biggest economy and dented confidence in Najib&#39;s ruling coalition. 
 
Abu Kassim Mohamed, the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), asked for his contract to be terminated earlier than expected, the agency said in a statement. 
 
&quot;There was no pressure from any parties towards the decision made by Abu Kassim to shorten his contract,&quot; it said, dismissing speculation in domestic media that pressure from the Prime Minister&#39;s office might have prompted the resignation. 
 
The Prime Minister&#39;s office did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters seeking comment. 
 
Under Abu Kassim, who took on his role in the beginning of 2010, the anti-graft body began investigations into allegations of graft and financial mismanagement at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the transfer of 2.6 billion Ringgit ($647.09 million) to Najib&#39;s bank accounts. 
 
Malaysia&#39;s attorney-general cleared Najib of any criminal offences or corruption in January. Najib has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not take any money for personal gain. 
 
Abu Kassim&#39;s contract was to have run until December 4, 2018, the anti-graft body said, adding that the request to cut short his tenure followed an offer to be a visiting expert at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria. 
 
&quot;The request was made after I got the opportunity to improve Malaysia and MACC&#39;s name and international standing,&quot; Abu Kassim told reporters, adding that he will stay in the civil service until mandatory retirement in 2020. 
 
A second vacancy is coming up as his deputy, Shukri Abdull, will retire on October 3, Abu Kassim added, in a video of the news conference released by the agency. 
 
Najib was widely criticised last year after the government replaced Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail, who had led investigations into 1MDB, with Mohamed Apandi Ali. It cited Patail&#39;s failing health for the change ahead of his retirement. 
 
($1 = 4.0180 ringgit) 
 
(Reuters)

Abu Kassim Mohamed, the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, will vacate the post on August 1

The head of Malaysia's anti-graft body will step down on August 1, the agency said on Thursday, more than two years before the scheduled end of a term that included an investigation of Prime Minister Najib Razak. The revelations of the investigation, first reported by the Wall Street Journal last year, have shaken investors in Southeast Asia's third-biggest economy and dented confidence in Najib's ruling coalition. Abu Kassim Mohamed, the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), asked for his contract to be terminated earlier than expected, the agency said in a statement. "There was no pressure from any parties towards the decision made by Abu Kassim to shorten his contract," it said, dismissing speculation in domestic media that pressure from the Prime Minister's office might have prompted the resignation. The Prime Minister's office did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters seeking comment. Under Abu Kassim, who took on his role in the beginning of 2010, the anti-graft body began investigations into allegations of graft and financial mismanagement at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the transfer of 2.6 billion Ringgit ($647.09 million) to Najib's bank accounts. Malaysia's attorney-general cleared Najib of any criminal offences or corruption in January. Najib has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not take any money for personal gain. Abu Kassim's contract was to have run until December 4, 2018, the anti-graft body said, adding that the request to cut short his tenure followed an offer to be a visiting expert at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria. "The request was made after I got the opportunity to improve Malaysia and MACC's name and international standing," Abu Kassim told reporters, adding that he will stay in the civil service until mandatory retirement in 2020. A second vacancy is coming up as his deputy, Shukri Abdull, will retire on October 3, Abu Kassim added, in a video of the news conference released by the agency. Najib was widely criticised last year after the government replaced Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail, who had led investigations into 1MDB, with Mohamed Apandi Ali. It cited Patail's failing health for the change ahead of his retirement. ($1 = 4.0180 ringgit) (Reuters)

Malaysia's anti-graft panel chief to step down

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Malaysia bans social media accounts for children under 16, warns companies of $2.5 million fines

Malaysian government's international assets at stake as heirs of a 19th century sultan claim $15 billion award

Malaysia opposition leader Anwar claims 'formidable' majority to form new govt

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expresses his intention to step down

Malaysia's anti-graft panel chief to step down