KUALA LUMPUR: More than 240,000 requests to remove harmful online content were made by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission from 2022 to 2025, says the Communications Ministry.
This comprised 4,259 applications to remove deepfake content, 59,487 for false content, and 176,786 for scams.
Of the numbers, 93% of the reported deepfake content was removed, compared with 87% of the reported false content.
About 95% of all reported scam content was also removed, according to the ministry.
“Each of these removals is based on lodged reports, community guidelines determined by platforms themselves, alongside existing domestic laws,” the ministry said in a written reply on Friday (Jan 23).
The ministry highlighted amendments to Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act, noting that those found guilty of circulating false content with the intention of committing fraud or to mislead others can be fined no more than RM500,000, face jail time no longer than 2 years, or both.
The Online Safety Act, the ministry said, was also drafted to improve safety in the online space. The act further compels licensed online service providers to manage harmful content.
“This came into force on Jan 1 this year,” the ministry said.
It was responding to a question by Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut), who asked how the government handles rising rates of online crime, alongside mechanisms to be used if large online platforms fail to manage complaints or adhere to domestic regulations.
