Cambodia Supports Malaysia’s ASEAN-Level Social Media Safety Guidelines

PHNOM PENH, June 26 (Bernama) -- Cambodia supports the ASEAN-level guidelines initiated by Malaysia for the safe and responsible use of social media, in the face of multiple challenges. 

Cambodia’s Ministry of Information expressed its support at the 23rd Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials Responsible for Information (SOMRI) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, held from June 23 to 25, reported English daily Khmer Times. 

“The kingdom welcomed Malaysia’s leadership in drafting the Guidelines on Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media for ASEAN.

“The document is an important framework for fostering a safe, trusted, inclusive, and resilient digital environment across the region,” said the daily. 

The Malaysian delegation to SOMRI was led by the Ministry of Communications‘ Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Bahria Mohd Tamil.

The support comes after Malaysia and Cambodia stepped up media bilateral ties by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on information and media development cooperation.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration in Penang on June 20.

The move allows both ASEAN member states to enhance cooperation across diverse media and communication-related areas. 

Cambodia’s endorsement comes at a time when the government itself is combating fake news and misinformation across the kingdom. 

“The kingdom also endorsed the guidelines’ key pillars, including governance frameworks, media literacy and public awareness, stronger regional cooperation, and sufficient flexibility to keep pace with rapidly evolving digital technologies,” reported Khmer Times, adding that the guidelines will be crucial to address crimes such as online scams and digital threats.

The Cambodian delegation to Brunei was led by Prak Thaveak Amida, the Ministry of Information’s Undersecretary of State.

-- BERNAMA