Malaysia Targets Online Gambling and Fraud With 500,000+ Post Takedowns

Malaysia has removed more than half a million illegal online posts in just over three years, with gambling and fraud making up the bulk of the violations. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in coordination with multiple government agencies, has intensified enforcement and introduced new digital tools to curb the spread of harmful content.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching confirmed that from 1 January 2022 to 1 August 2025, a total of 558,108 online items were taken down for breaching national laws. Of these, 321,012 posts involved illegal gambling and 119,273 were linked to fraud. Other removals included 43,585 obscene items, 35,420 related to bullying or sexual harassment, and 38,818 identified as false information.

The MCMC operates under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and works closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to detect and report illicit content. Its role extends to providing digital forensic analysis to assist criminal investigations.

Teo, responding to concerns raised by Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, stressed that social media platforms must act more quickly to remove harmful content. She noted that “many fraudulent posts are only taken down after MCMC reports them,” allowing some to circulate unchecked for extended periods.

In January 2025, the MCMC launched AIFA, an AI-powered chatbot that helps the public verify suspicious content. Integrated with the national fact-checking portal Sebenarnya.my, AIFA enables faster detection of false news and scam-related material.

That same month, Malaysia introduced new regulatory requirements obliging all social media platforms operating in the country to obtain an Application Service Provider (Class) [ASP(C)] licence. A new Code of Conduct was also published, outlining measures to safeguard children online.

These initiatives complement ongoing public awareness efforts such as the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS), launched in early 2025 to address cyberbullying risks and promote age-appropriate access to digital platforms.

Illegal online gambling remains one of Malaysia’s most pressing digital challenges. While land-based gambling is permitted in limited forms—such as licensed lotteries, horse racing, and the  casino—online gambling is banned outright. Enforcement agencies have reported that operators exploit legal loopholes, use social media and influencers to promote their services, and rely on payment systems and cryptocurrency to evade detection.

Between 2021 and May 2025, the police submitted 4,234 requests to block gambling websites, with 1,922 of those in 2023 alone. In 2024, authorities investigated 28 social media influencers suspected of promoting gambling sites, leading to 27 arrests and 18 charges filed.

To address these challenges, the Royal Malaysia Police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department has proposed 12 amendments to modernise Malaysia’s gambling laws. The reforms aim to formally define and criminalise “remote gambling,” introduce tougher penalties, and grant new enforcement powers, including the ability to freeze accounts and use electronic evidence in court.

If implemented, players could face fines of up to RM100,000 and six months’ imprisonment, while operators could be fined RM1 million and jailed for up to 12 months.

Authorities warn that illegal online gambling is not just a legal problem—it is also a public health issue. Experts have reported rising cases of gambling-related mental health problems, especially among young people and lower-income groups. Many of these platforms employ addictive game mechanics, such as randomised rewards, to keep players engaged.

In addition, these activities are increasingly linked to money laundering. Many illegal gambling sites are based overseas—in countries like the Philippines, Cambodia, and Malta—and tailor their services to Malaysian users by offering local language support and accepting ringgit. Encryption, AI tools, and cryptocurrency payments further complicate enforcement.

Top casinos in Malaysia

100% up to

MYR1200

Overall Rating

88

Visit Casino Read Review

100% up to

€300

+ 30 Free Spins

Overall Rating

73

Visit Casino Read Review

100% up to

€300

+ 30 Free Spins

Overall Rating

64

Visit Casino Read Review

The removal of over 500,000 illegal online items underscores the scale of Malaysia’s online gambling and fraud problem. While MCMC’s enforcement efforts, combined with new technology and stricter regulations, demonstrate progress, officials warn that without updated gambling laws, the fight against these digital threats will remain an uphill battle.

Source:

, thesun.my, August 11, 2025.