Penang: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil will hold a meeting with social media giant Meta on Sept 22 to discuss several issues related to social platforms, particularly Facebook. He said among the issues to be raised are the Class Licence for Applications Service Providers (ASP), and the spread of content and advertisements related to online gambling activities, which remain rampant on the platform.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi noted that the majority of content taken down on Facebook consists of online gambling ads and gambling-related posts. He stressed that complaints have been submitted regarding online gambling advertisements paid for using credit cards, which Facebook should recognize as content not permitted in Malaysia.
Fahmi shared these insights with reporters after officiating at the Community Day Programme and National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) Penanti. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali.
Fahmi also mentioned that Facebook still refuses to take firm action against accounts and advertising payments linked to the prohibited activity. He emphasized the importance of continuing discussions with a dialogic approach, aiming for a constructive stance rather than banning or shutting down the platform.
Highlighting the reliance of many people on the platform for economic and social purposes, Fahmi stressed the government's objective of preventing criminals from exploiting social media for profit while undermining harmony.
On the Safe Internet Campaign, Fahmi revealed that MCMC has visited more than 2,600 schools nationwide so far, with a target of reaching 10,000 schools by next year. The campaign aims to involve higher education institutions and deliver the message of using the internet safely, particularly for children and families.
Fahmi, on a three-day working visit to Penang, highlighted the role of NADI managers in educating the community on internet safety, positioning them as ambassadors of the Safe Internet Campaign. Under the 1 State Constituency 1 NADI initiative, 42 NADIs have been established by MCMC in Penang, attracting 10,827 members and recording 17,743 participations in various smart service activities as of May 2025.