About Us - Content Forum

OVERVIEW OF THE CONTENT FORUM

The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia is an independent self-regulatory industry body registered under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and designated by the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA’98) to oversee and promote self-regulation of content over the electronic networked medium.

As an industry self-regulatory body, the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia comprises of key members of the communications and multimedia content industry, including advertisers, broadcasters, content creators/distributors, audiotext hosting services providers, internet service providers and civic groups.

This dynamic and robust representation of industry practitioners ensures that content standards continue to be developed with the objective of establishing a self-regulating content ecosystem for enhanced creativity, innovation and the heathy growth of a fast-evolving industry.

Aimed at facilitating self-regulation, which provides an additional layer of consumer protection that complements the legal framework, the Content Forum is committed to govern and promote the creation, distribution and consumption of electronic-networked content.

The Content Forum is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code (“the Content Code”). The Content Code was prepared by the Content Forum and first registered with MCMC on 1st September 2004. The Content Code is the principal source for industry self-regulation as it contains governing standards and best practices for content dissemination within the communications and multimedia industry in Malaysia. The main objective of the Content Code is to outline procedures of self-regulation that provides the platform for creativity, innovation and heathy growth of a fast-evolving industry.

The Content Forum houses a Complaints Bureau that is empowered to address all complaints relating to content disseminated over electronic networks. The Complaints Bureau is empowered to investigate possible breaches of the Content Code, mediate disputes, adjudicate cases, publish orders and impose sanctions where necessary. The Complaints Bureau accepts complaints from industry players and the general public. Additionally, it plays an advisory role to any party that requires guidance on electronic content matters.

read less

History and Operations

Designated by MCMC on 29 March 2001, the Content Forum is an independent body committed to maintaining and promoting industry self-regulation. Under its registered Constitution, the Content Forum is responsible for the administration of the Content Code and for sanctions in the case of breaches. The first Content Code was registered in September 2004.

A dedicated website (www.cmcf.my) was launched on 20 March 2002. The official launch of the website was done on 21 October 2004, by Y.B Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, the then Minister of Energy, Water and Communications Malaysia. This website was later replaced by a new website (www.contentforum.my) in conjunction with the Content Forum’s 20th anniversary and a rebranding exercise in September 2021.

The management of the Content Forum rests with a Chairman and 18 Council members, elected from the six ‘Ordinary’ member categories for a term of two years. The 6 Ordinary member categories are – advertisers, audiotext service providers, broadcasters, content creators/distributors, internet access service providers and civic groups.

The Content Forum’s Executive Office manages the day-to-day operations and provides value-added services in overseeing the coordination of the activities. It is headed by an Executive Director, supported by a full time Secretariat.

CMCF also operates a Complaints Bureau that addresses queries and grievances from consumers and industry members on matters relating to content over the electronic networked medium.

The Complaints Bureau comprises of an appointed Chairman and six members of CMCF, one each representing the six affiliations. In enforcing the Content Code, the CMCF’s Complaints Bureau has been addressing issues regarding content since the Content Code was registered in 2004.

read less