Meeting scheduled with Meta
Malaysia’s Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil will meet with Meta executives on September 22 to address the rise of illegal online gambling ads on Facebook. The talks come as the government steps up pressure on the tech company to enforce stricter controls against gambling content, which remains prohibited in the country.
Concerns over inadequate action
According to local outlet Scoop, gambling-related material now makes up the majority of content removed from Facebook. However, Minister Fahmi noted that the platform’s response has been inadequate.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he expressed frustration that such content remains easily accessible. In particular, he criticized Meta’s handling of the financial systems behind the ads.
Payment processing under scrutiny
Furthermore, Fahmi highlighted Meta’s refusal to block credit card accounts used to purchase these ads. He argued that the company should act proactively when it knows the transactions fund illegal content. Despite the clear violations of Malaysian law, Facebook continues to process payments for gambling promotions.
Government rules out platform ban
Even so, the government has ruled out banning Facebook entirely. Fahmi stressed that the administration prefers dialogue over punitive action, recognizing that millions of Malaysians use Meta’s platforms for both social and economic purposes.
Balancing value and risks
Finally, Fahmi underlined that while the government acknowledges the platform’s benefits, it cannot allow criminals to exploit these services. The upcoming meeting will also cover licensing requirements for companies operating in Malaysia.
