Malaysia Warns Meta Over Gambling Ads

Malaysia has warned Meta and Facebook that legal action could follow if the platforms fail to remove illegal gambling advertisements and scam-related content circulating across their networks. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the situation has escalated to a level that authorities can no longer overlook.

Speaking during the Inter-Agency Retreat on Combating Online Scam, Fadzil described the warning as a final opportunity for Facebook to cooperate with regulators before enforcement measures are pursued. He noted that any legal proceedings would be handled through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

The government has increased pressure on digital platforms as concerns continue to grow over the spread of gambling promotions and fraudulent schemes online. Malaysian authorities believe stronger cooperation from major social media companies is necessary to reduce the volume of prohibited content reaching users.

Between 1 January and 23 May 2026, officials submitted 271,472 requests to Facebook seeking the removal of harmful material. According to government figures, more than 91% of those requests were tied to scam operations and illegal gambling activities.

Authorities also stated that Facebook accounted for 81% of all illegal gambling-related content identified during the period, placing the platform at the centre of the country’s enforcement efforts against online scams and unlicensed betting promotions.

Fadzil further revealed that Malaysians lost more than US$640 million to scams in 2025. Reported cases included fraudulent investment schemes, fake sales offers and gambling-related scams, all of which contributed to mounting financial losses for consumers.

The minister said the government now views gambling advertisements and scam activity as closely linked issues requiring a coordinated enforcement response.

As part of its broader strategy, Malaysia is preparing to establish a special committee dedicated to tackling online scams and illegal gambling promotions. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the national cabinet soon.

The planned committee would bring together regulators, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies and telecommunications providers in an effort to strengthen oversight and limit the spread of illegal content across digital channels.

Through these measures, the Malaysian government aims to increase accountability for platforms hosting scam and gambling-related material while tightening control over online criminal activity.