PUTRAJAYA: Facebook has been identified as the largest source of unwanted online content, particularly posts related to online gambling and scams.
Speaking during a memorandum of understanding signing between the Home Ministry via the Immigration Department and the Communications Ministry, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil noted that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had flagged 470,593 pieces of problematic content for takedown.
"The responsible platforms have also taken down a total of 93% of that number, which is 436,661.
"The platform that has sinned the most and is the most problematic when it comes to online gambling is Facebook. Facebook postings represent 78% of all online gambling content detected.
"That is the scope of Meta and in particular Facebook’s sin is to the Malaysian people, with second place going to YouTube at 18% and TikTok at 4%," he said.
Fahmi added that Facebook also accounted for the highest volume of scam content, representing 53% of all reported material.
"We should create an award for the platform that has sinned the Malaysian public the most," he quipped.
The minister emphasised that social media platforms must proactively detect and remove problematic content that violates their own guidelines instead of relying on reports.
"However in most cases action is only taken after a report is lodged to MCMC or made by the public. This delay gives space for such content to be spread to the public, increasing its damage to the people.
"The platforms must hold greater responsibility in ensuring a safer online environment without relying on public reports or those from the authorities," he said.
When met by reporters after the event, Fahmi said 91% of all takedown requests involved online gambling and scams.
"So, it is very clear that the MCMC’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Threads and others are free from online crime and harmful content," he said.
On the memorandum signing, Fahmi expressed confidence that it would expedite intelligence gathering and investigations between agencies.
"This enables investigations to be conducted more quickly and facilitating action, including legal action, where necessary. I welcome this development."
COMPLI
Keywords: Fahmi Fadzil, Facebook, Communications Ministry, Home Ministry, Immigration Department, MCMC, Online Gambling, Scams, Meta, Putrajaya
