KUALA LUMPUR: Over 90% of the gambling-related posts removed from social media platforms were on Facebook, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said from 2022 until Feb 1 this year, a total of 5,025 online gambling websites and 224,403 gambling-related posts had been taken down with the cooperation of Internet service providers.
“Of this total, 2,906 gambling-related posts, or 93.14% of the cases mentioned, were removed from Facebook alone.
“This also means that Facebook is a major hub for online gambling advertisements,” he said during the question and answer session at the Lower House.
He explained that removing the sites and posts is a measure to ensure all registered Internet messaging and social media providers comply with their obligations under Act 588 (Communications and Multimedia Act 1998) and adhere to the Code of Conduct (Best Practices) issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“It also seeks to enhance accountability for the content and online interactions made available to users,” he added.
He was replying to Capt Azahari Hasan (PN-Padang Rengas), who asked about the latest measures to combat the growing prevalence of online gambling, including monitoring efforts, law enforcement and collaboration with Internet service providers and digital platforms.
In a supplementary question on the government’s effort to tackle scam-related activities involving the images of icons and influencers, Fahmi said the MCMC is committed to cooperating with the police to remove content on social media.
Additionally, he said blocking websites and providing technical assistance such as digital forensic analysis had been implemented to expedite investigations related to online gambling.
On the issue of social media licensing, Fahmi noted varying reactions from social media platform providers.
He said, however, since the regulations were enforced on Jan 1, there has been increased cooperation from these providers in taking down content that violates the country’s laws.
“Since we implemented the licensing regime, there were various reactions from the platform providers including those who tried to delay the process but we also received better cooperation,” he said in response to Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang).
