The Malaysian Government has formally accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, of failing to remove unlawful online content, particularly posts related to gambling and scams. Authorities reported that Facebook alone received 168,774 takedown requests from Malaysia as of 19 September 2025, with over 120,000 linked to illegal gambling. Although Meta deleted most content, several thousand posts remain online, highlighting gaps in enforcement. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasised that these delays expose users to cybercrime, scams, and harmful gambling networks.
Between 2023 and August 2025, e-commerce scams on Meta platforms cost Malaysians more than RM 248 million ($52.7 million), with 18,128 cases reported. Officials stressed the urgent need for social media platforms to act responsibly and cooperate fully with national regulations. The government has since introduced a new Code of Conduct requiring social media firms to obtain an Application Service Provider licence and launched the Safe Internet Campaign to promote age-appropriate access and digital safety, particularly for children.
Meta’s slow response to takedown requests, coupled with persistent scam content, has prompted high-level meetings between Malaysian authorities and company representatives. Discussions also covered other sensitive content, including material related to race, religion, and royalty, as well as online sales of drug-laced products. The government warned that partial or delayed actions from global tech companies could undermine Malaysia’s cyber safety policies.
While legal gambling in Malaysia is limited to licensed lotteries, horse racing, and the Resorts World Genting casino, illegal online gambling remains widespread. Authorities argue that social media platforms must adopt faster and stronger safeguards to prevent scams, protect users, and maintain social stability. Malaysia’s stance signals its commitment to holding global tech companies accountable for adhering to local laws in the rapidly expanding digital landscape.
