Facebook accounted for 78% of online gambling content flagged for removal in Malaysia between January 1 and August 17, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. These figures are based on actions by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Therefore, they highlight Facebook as the leading platform linked to gambling-related content identified by Malaysian authorities.
More Than 470,000 Takedown Requests
During the period, the MCMC requested the removal of 470,593 pieces of harmful or criminal content. Platforms complied with 93% of these requests, resulting in 436,661 items being removed.
Online gambling represented 64% of all content targeted for removal, while scams accounted for another 27%. Together, the two categories represented 91% of the MCMC’s total takedown requests.
Among gambling-related content, YouTube accounted for 18% of flagged material and TikTok for 4%. As a result, Facebook is significantly ahead of the other major platforms.
Malaysia Calls for Proactive Platform Monitoring
Fahmi criticised social media companies for relying too heavily on reports from authorities or users before removing harmful content. He argued that platforms should strengthen their own detection systems. In addition, he insisted they should take action against content that violates their policies without waiting for external complaints.
The minister warned that delays could allow gambling and scam content to spread further and increase potential risks to users. He also said he personally monitors Facebook and forwards suspected gambling content to the MCMC for assessment.
Facebook Remains Key Regulatory Focus
The 78% figure applies specifically to online gambling content flagged by the MCMC, rather than all harmful content identified in Malaysia. Nevertheless, Facebook’s share was substantially higher than those recorded for YouTube and TikTok.
The regulator’s figures also indicate that more than 34,000 removal requests had not resulted in content being removed by August 17. This is based on the reported 93% compliance rate.
The latest data highlights Malaysia’s continued focus on tackling online gambling and scam content. At the same time, it shows increasing pressure on social media platforms to adopt more proactive monitoring and enforcement measures.
