Malaysia removes 500,000 illegal posts over gambling, fraud
Over 558,000 pieces of unlawful online content have been taken down in Malaysia between January 2022 and August 2025, with illegal gambling and online fraud accounting for the majority of the violations. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), working closely with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, has led the effort to identify and remove harmful material under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching disclosed that out of the 558,108 takedowns, 321,012 were linked to illegal gambling, while 119,273 were related to fraud. The remaining content included obscene material (43,585), bullying and sexual harassment (35,420), and fake news or misinformation (38,818).
Teo Nie Ching said the ministry remains committed to maintaining a safe online environment for all Malaysians. She explained that the MCMC works together with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to monitor and report harmful online content.
Gambling and fraud dominate online threats
Illegal online gambling remains one of the most serious digital challenges in Malaysia. While the country allows certain legal gambling activities, such as licensed lotteries, horse racing, and the land-based casino at Resorts World Genting, online gambling remains completely banned under current laws. Many operators continue to take advantage of loopholes in the outdated legal framework to operate without being stopped.
Teo also criticised the slow response from digital platforms in dealing with harmful content. She pointed out that the delay in action allows harmful content to spread and possibly cause damage before it is removed. “Many fraudulent posts are only taken down after MCMC reports them,” she said.
To improve enforcement, MCMC works closely with key agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). It also provides digital forensic support to help with investigations.
New tools and policies to address rising challenges
In January 2025, MCMC introduced AIFA, an AI-based chatbot that helps the public check and confirm whether online content is suspicious or false. The tool enhances the function of Malaysia’s official fact-checking portal, Sebenarnya.my, by offering faster responses and more accurate information to combat fake news and scams.
At the same time, Malaysia made it mandatory for all social media platforms to get an Application Service Provider (Class), or ASP(C), licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The rule is intended to hold platforms more accountable for the content shared on their sites, particularly material that may harm children or promote illegal activities.
To add to these efforts, the MCMC introduced a new Code of Conduct to better protect children online. It also launched the Safe Internet Campaign (Kempen Internet Selamat or KIS) in early 2025 to help people understand the risks of cyberbullying and the importance of age-appropriate access to digital platforms.
Outdated gambling laws prompt push for reform
Malaysia’s gambling laws are still based on the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and the Betting Act 1953. These laws were made long before the internet existed and do not include rules for online or digital gambling. Because of this, illegal gambling groups have changed their methods and now use social media, influencers, and online payment systems to reach people. In recent years, enforcement agencies have struggled to keep pace.
Between 2021 and May 2025, the police submitted 4,234 website blocking requests to MCMC. The number of requests jumped sharply in 2023, with 1,922 submissions—more than five times the 373 logged in 2021.
In 2024 alone, authorities launched 28 investigations into social media influencers suspected of promoting gambling websites. This led to 27 arrests, with 18 individuals already charged and 10 cases still under investigation.
Legal reform aims to close digital loopholes
To better address these challenges, the Royal Malaysian Police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department has proposed 12 amendments to existing gambling laws. One of the main goals is to formally define and criminalise “remote gambling.” The proposed reforms include stricter penalties: players could face fines of up to RM100,000 and a six-month jail term, while operators could be fined up to RM1 million and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Authorities are also seeking new powers to block gambling websites and freeze the bank accounts linked to them. The proposed changes include allowing electronic documents to be used as evidence in court and giving Magistrates’ Courts more power to handle these cases. These updates are designed to enhance law enforcement’s effectiveness in combating today’s online threats.
Despite over 42,000 raids and nearly 60,000 arrests between 2019 and May 2025 under Operasi Dadu, authorities admit that the lack of updated legislation has limited long-term success. Many cases have been dismissed due to the absence of terms like “online gambling” in the existing laws.
Public health and financial risks
Online gambling in Malaysia is no longer just a legal or enforcement issue—it has also become a growing public health concern. Health experts have raised alarms about the increasing number of people facing gambling-related mental health problems. Those most affected include young people, gig workers, and individuals with lower incomes. These platforms are designed in a way that keeps users hooked, using features such as random rewards and game-like elements that encourage people to continue playing for long periods.
At the same time, digital gambling is increasingly linked to financial crimes such as money laundering. Many of the websites involved are based overseas, in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, and Malta. These platforms are designed to attract Malaysian users by providing services in Bahasa Malaysia and accepting payments in ringgit. To avoid being detected or shut down by authorities, they often use cryptocurrency, encrypted communication, and artificial intelligence, making it harder for enforcement agencies to take effective action.
Looking ahead
The removal of over half a million illegal online posts highlights the seriousness of the issue in Malaysia. Since a large number of these posts are linked to gambling and fraud, the MCMC’s actions, along with new rules and technologies, show a strong commitment to tackling these problems. However, officials caution that without proper updates to the country’s laws, efforts to control online gambling and scams will continue to face major challenges.
