MCMC investigates Facebook’s failure to block livestream of teacher attack in Kuching, says Fahmi

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the failure of social media platforms to prevent the livestreaming of violent acts was not new, with similar incidents having occurred in several other countries. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 23 Oct 2026 7:44 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 23 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating Facebook’s failure to detect or block a livestream of an attack on a teacher in Kuching, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

The Madani government spokesperson said he would leave it to MCMC to investigate the incident before making any further comments.

He said the failure of social media platforms to prevent the livestreaming of violent acts was not new, with similar incidents having occurred in several other countries.

“MCMC is currently investigating the matter. We have seen similar cases in other countries where platforms have failed to prevent violent acts from being livestreamed.

“So, I will leave it to MCMC to investigate and issue a statement in due course,” he told a press conference here today.

He was responding to a question on whether the government had sought an explanation from Meta over Facebook’s failure to detect or block the livestream from the outset.

On Wednesday, a 16-year-old male student allegedly attacked a female teacher with an axe at an international school in Kuching, leaving the victim with injuries to her hand.

Sarawak Acting Police Commissioner DCP Saifullizan Ishak said the case was being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code and Section 6(1) of the Explosives Act 1957. — Bernama