Grab Malaysia has distanced itself from a technology industry group’s open letter expressing concerns about Malaysia’s plans to require social media and online messaging platforms to have a licence to operate in the country.

At the same time, the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) has issued a new version of its open letter with “applicable representation”. This shrinks the number of companies represented in the letter from 17 to six.

In a statement, Grab Malaysia said it was not informed or consulted about the AIC’s open letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“The proposed regulation does not impact our operations and therefore we had no part in it. We did not and are not commenting on the matter.

“We remain committed to collaborating with the government, reflecting our mission to contribute to the nation's development,” it said.

The new AIC letter dated Aug 26 represents Meta, Google, Amazon, Apple, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

‘Unworkable framework’

Compared to the Aug 23 version that was made public earlier today, the companies absent in the new letter include Grab, Yahoo, Pinterest, Spotify, Booking.com, Zalora, Shopify and FedEx.

The letter signed by AIC managing director Jeff Paine urged the government to put its plans for licensing online platforms on hold.

“We believe this licensing framework is unworkable for the industry and will adversely impact innovation by placing undue burdens on businesses.

“It will hinder ongoing investments and deter future ones due to the complexity and cost of compliance,” he added.

The letter also outlined five issues of concern about the new regulations, ranging from the lack of consultation to the increased cost of doing business, while not having a significant impact on harmful online content.

It also advocated self-regulation instead of a licensing scheme.

MCMC: Licensing of social media providers to ensure users' safety

MCMC: Licensing of social media providers to ensure users' safety

Govt to set up special task force to discuss social media regulation

Govt to set up special task force to discuss social media regulation

Mixed views on govt's social media licensing move

Mixed views on govt's social media licensing move

Social media sites fail to keep under-13s off, minister says

Social media sites fail to keep under-13s off, minister says

COMMENT | Madani’s losing social media licence gambit

COMMENT | Madani’s losing social media licence gambit

COMMENT | Social media licensing: Is it being done with right intentions?

COMMENT | Social media licensing: Is it being done with right intentions?