A Meta Platforms official on Wednesday criticised Malaysia’s plan to require social media platforms to apply for a regulatory licence by January, saying the proposal lacked clear guidelines and gave social companies little time to comply, risking digital innovation and growth in the country. Malaysia said in July it will require social media platforms and messaging services with more than eight million users to obtain a licence, as part of efforts to curb financial scams, cyberbullying and sexual crimes online. The plan has faced a backlash, with an Asian industry group that includes Meta urging the government in August to pause the move.