Malaysia: Over 500,000 illegal online posts removed since 2022
Gambling, scams and fake news top the list of illegal content flagged by authorities.
Key points:
– Over 500,000 unlawful online items removed from January 2022 to August 2025
– Gambling and fraud made up the majority, with more than 440,000 posts taken down
– MCMC ramps up enforcement, launches chatbot and new rules for platforms
More than half a million pieces of illegal online content have been taken down in Malaysia over the past three and a half years, following enforcement efforts led by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), The Sun reported.
According to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, a total of 558,108 posts were removed by service providers between 1 January 2022 and 1 August 2025 for violating national laws. Of these, 321,012 involved gambling, while 119,273 were related to fraud. Other categories included obscene content (43,585), bullying or sexual harassment (35,420) and false information (38,818).
Teo stated that MCMC worked alongside the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), and Bank Negara Malaysia to detect and report harmful material. The Commission also provides digital forensic support to assist investigations.
Teo, speaking in response to concerns raised by Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, emphasised the need for quicker response from social media companies. She noted that many fraudulent posts remain live until formally reported by the authorities.
Good to know: In January 2025, MCMC introduced an AI chatbot called AIFA to assist the public in identifying and verifying suspicious content, enhancing the effectiveness of the fact-checking platform Sebenarnya.my
From this year onwards, all social media platforms operating in Malaysia must hold an ASP(C) licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. A newly published Code of Conduct also outlines safeguards to better protect children online.
Teo added that ongoing initiatives, such as the Safe Internet Campaign, aim to promote awareness on issues including cyberbullying and age-appropriate access to digital platforms.
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