KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 9 -- Now that Malaysia has declared that social media and internet messaging giants with at least eight million local users come under the country's laws from January 1, can anything be done if these overseas-based companies break or ignore the rules?

What happens if these companies do not have a local office or even appoint a local representative in Malaysia to answer for any non-compliance? What options would Malaysia have?

Lawyers told Malay Mail that Malaysia could go overseas to get non-compliant platforms to pay penalties, with one lawyer also suggesting slowing down the speed of accessing such platforms.

Not sure what these platforms are? Think of apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, TikTok and Y...