Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has advised internet users to exercise caution when providing their personal information on social media and online applications, especially on dating platforms.
Its communications and corporate department said the internet has opened up opportunities for wider communication, including immoral activities such as wild parties, illicit relationships and providing online prostitution services.
“MCMC is concerned about the recent marketing gimmick by dating site Sugarbook which claimed that many Malaysian women, especially university students, had offered themselves as ‘Sugar Baby’ on the application.
“Such claims should be investigated because the user profiles could be manipulated to deceive victims,” it said in a statement.
It was recently reported that Malaysia had the third highest number of sugar daddies in Asia behind India and Indonesia in the Sugarbook application, a “sugar daddy-sugar baby” dating platform.
MCMC also said that apart from Sugarbook, there are other applications that provide online dating services.
“Users should be aware that they are exposed to cyberattack risks if they do not take necessary cybersecurity and self-control measures.
“The risk of love scams will increase if they are exposed to malware and spyware as well as personal data leakage and sexual harassment,” it said.
MCMC said it would continue to monitor and investigate the Sugarbook application and take action against the users and platform owners should there be any violation of the law.
It said police would take further action if there were elements of prostitution involved.
Parents and guardians were also advised to monitor their children’s internet activities as well as observe any lifestyle changes that may arouse suspicion.
