Kuala Lumpur: More than 93 percent of the 224,403 gambling-related content pieces removed from various online platforms were found on Facebook, highlighting the social media giant as a prime venue for gambling advertisements. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil informed the Dewan Rakyat that 209,006 of these content removals occurred from 2022 until February 1 this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) actively monitors online spaces to ensure the internet environment remains free from unlawful content, including gambling-related materials. Fahmi stated this proactive approach during a Q and A session, further revealing that 5,026 gambling websites were blocked in collaboration with internet service providers within the same timeframe.

Under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), MCMC is dedicated to supporting the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) by removing illicit social media content, blocking access to prohibited websites, and providing technical assistance to speed up investigations into online gambling offenses. Fahmi's remarks were in response to a query from Azahari Hasan (PN-Padang Rengas) concerning the ministry's strategies to combat the growing trend of online gambling through monitoring, enforcement, and collaboration with internet service providers and digital platforms.

Fahmi also announced a new measure requiring all social media and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia to obtain an Application Service Provider Class Licence (ASP Class Licence) starting January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with obligations under Act 588 and adherence to the Code of Conduct (Best Practices) issued by MCMC, thereby fostering a safer and more sustainable internet ecosystem.