Malaysia’s government is drafting new legislation to improve gambling regulations and fight against illegal platforms.Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof...
Malaysian government pushes Meta to act on illegal gambling ads
Malaysia’s Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil is set to meet with Meta executives on September 22 to discuss the growing issue of illegal online gambling ads on Facebook.
The meeting, reported by local outlet Scoop, comes as the government steps up pressure on Meta to take stronger action against gambling-related content, which is banned in Malaysia.
Fahmi noted that gambling promotions make up the largest share of posts removed from Facebook, yet he stressed that the platform’s efforts remain insufficient. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he voiced frustration that such material is still easily accessible and criticized Meta’s approach to handling the financial systems behind the illegal ads.
The Communications Minister also criticized Meta for allowing credit card accounts tied to illegal gambling ads to remain active, saying the company should step in and stop such transactions once it knows the ads break Malaysian law. He added that Facebook still processes payments for these promotions, even with full awareness that gambling is prohibited in the country.
While having strong concerns, Fahmi clearly specified that the government has no plans to block access to Meta’s platforms, saying that he prefers engagement and cooperation, given the situation of millions of Malaysians being dependent on Facebook and Instagram for both social connection and business.
However, he warned that the platforms cannot be left open to abuse by criminal networks. The talks later this month are also expected to touch on licensing rules for companies operating in Malaysia.
Three residential units in a four-story apartment block in Malaysia were recently revealed as an illegal online gambling hub. Hundreds were arrested during the raid.The...
