CYBERJAYA. MALAYSIA Oct 31. 2025 – In a landmark ruling aimed at safeguarding Malaysia’s digital landscape, the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Thursday granted the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) an Erinford Injunction against Telegram, prohibiting the spread of harmful online content and mandating the shutdown of two prominent publication channels.
The decision, delivered on October 31, comes as MCMC pursues a civil action against the messaging platform, pending the outcome of its interlocutory appeal at the Court of Appeal. The injunction represents a pivotal step in MCMC’s ongoing campaign to foster a “safe, responsible, and aligned” online ecosystem that prioritizes public interest.
Under the court’s order, Telegram is barred from publishing or disseminating the harmful content detailed in MCMC’s Statement of Claim, which includes false, misleading, and inflammatory materials capable of eroding public trust in national institutions. This prohibition extends to any similar content propagated through platform channels.
Additionally, the court directed the immediate closure of the “Edisi Siasat” and “Edisi Khas” channels—widely followed Telegram outlets known for political commentary—as well as any other channels operating in a comparable manner. These measures are intended to halt the ongoing circulation of divisive narratives that could jeopardize social harmony and institutional integrity.
In justifying the injunction, the High Court underscored the supremacy of public interest over private commercial concerns. “The balance of convenience clearly lies in favour of MCMC,” the ruling stated, noting that any potential prejudice to Telegram pales in comparison to the “potential harm to national institutions and public order” if such content were permitted to continue unchecked.
The bench further issued a pointed reminder to international platforms like Telegram, emphasizing their obligation to navigate Malaysia’s “unique social structure and cultural fabric” with sensitivity. “Foreign platform operators… must exercise sensitivity and respect towards the nation’s constitutional and social context,” the court observed. This call aligns with broader expectations for global tech providers to adhere to local laws and values when moderating content within Malaysian borders.
MCMC hailed the verdict as a “significant milestone” in its regulatory mandate. The commission’s civil suit stems from Telegram’s alleged failure to adequately address violations under Malaysian communications laws, though specifics of the content in question remain outlined primarily in the sealed Statement of Claim.
As the case advances to the appellate level, the injunction serves as an interim safeguard, compelling Telegram to implement swift compliance measures. Industry observers anticipate this development could set precedents for how foreign apps engage with content governance in Southeast Asia, where balancing free expression with national security remains a contentious issue.
MCMC Corporate Communications issued the statement from its Cyberjaya headquarters, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to a regulated yet vibrant digital space. No immediate response was available from Telegram as of press time.
