THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today advised Malaysians to be careful with their personal information on social media and apps, especially dating platforms.

It said the internet has opened up opportunities for wider communication, including for “immoral activities” such as wild parties, illicit relationships and prostitution services.

It said police will probe such cases.

“MCMC is concerned about the recent marketing gimmick by dating site Sugarbook which claimed that many Malaysian women, especially university students, have offered themselves as ‘Sugar Baby’ on the application.

“Such claims should be investigated because the user profiles could be manipulated to deceive victims,” said the statement.

The media recently reported that the Sugarbook app in Malaysia had the third highest number of sugar daddies in Asia, behind India and Indonesia.

Sugarbook is a dating platform in which young women are matched with successful men for a sugar daddy-sugar baby relationship.

The MCMC said Sugarbook is not the only app offering dating services.

“Users should be aware that they are exposed to cyberattack risks if they do not take necessary cyber security 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 added.

The MCMC said it will continue to monitor the Sugarbook app and take necessary action against the users and platform owners should they violate the law.

It warned of police action if the app activities are found to show elements of prostitution.

Parents and guardians were advised to monitor their children’s internet activities and to watch out for suspicious behavioural changes. – Bernama, February 15, 2021.