Now, TikTok account of TV Pertiwi blocked as well

The TikTok account of local media outlet TV Pertiwi was permanently banned today, believed to be due to its commentary on issues related to the state elections last weekend.

MalaysiaNow understands that the block came after the organisation featured political analyst Ridhuan Tee Abdullah as a panellist on one of its programmes.

In a statement to MalaysiaNow, TV Pertiwi's management said that they were not given a clear explanation.

"The TV Pertiwi TikTok account had over 63,000 followers and more than 600,000 likes, and the content shared was mostly interview discussions on current issues with invited panels.

"TV Pertiwi urges TikTok's management and the government, especially the communications and digital ministry, to provide an explanation on this matter, as the ban only applies to TikTok.

"No action was taken over the same content on Facebook or YouTube, or by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)," it told MalaysiaNow.

This latest block follows similar restrictions on access to MalaysiaNow and the current affairs site UtusanTV.

MCMC, the country's internet regulator, has yet to provide any explanation for these blocks, although it is understood that the restrictions on UtusanTV were lifted prior to the state elections on Saturday.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, meanwhile, has said that he had not given instructions to MCMC to block anyone.

He also said that the government had never proposed a ban on TikTok in the country.

Media organisations aside, the TikTok account of Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was also previously suspended.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said in a post that the government does not intervene in the platform's decisions to delete accounts.

Meanwhile, TV Pertiwi said that it should be treated fairly and allowed the right to share content, including that critical of the government.

"As of 1.45pm, TV Pertiwi was still awaiting a response from TikTok. For now, TV Pertiwi has created another account under the username @tvpertiwi2 to share its latest content," it said.