Oct 16, 2026 | 6:01 am
Malaysia’s communications regulator removed 724,879 items linked to online gambling between January 2025 and October 2026, according to figures presented to parliament. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the removals represented 98% of 738,372 takedown requests received during the period. Its work also led to the blocking of 2,603 gambling websites through cooperation with service providers and enforcement agencies.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching disclosed the figures during a Dewan Rakyat question-and-answer session on November 3. Her response covered the commission’s technical role in tackling online gambling, its cooperation with police and proposals to strengthen oversight of financial activity linked to illegal betting.
Police And Regulator Share Enforcement Responsibilities
Teo explained that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) holds primary responsibility for enforcing the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 (Act 289). MCMC operates under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) and the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866), addressing the misuse of communications services and networks.
The commission assists police investigations through information sharing, digital forensic work and the identification of websites and online material associated with gambling. Teo gave the explanation in response to Roy Angau Gingkoi, who asked about MCMC’s ability to detect gambling traffic and identify platforms or servers involved in the activity.
She also addressed questions from Aminolhuda Hassan concerning removals and website blocking between January and July 2026. During those seven months, authorities blocked 573 gambling websites and removed 253,424 related items through cooperation with service providers.
MCMC also joined police-led integrated operations during 2026. These included Op JOL and Op Soga XI, which targeted online gambling and betting activity, including activity associated with the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Financial Controls Remain Under Consideration
Roy Angau raised the possibility of introducing stricter measures to stop bank accounts and financial transactions connected to gambling syndicates. Teo said officials were studying a proposal to improve cooperation between MCMC, Bank Negara Malaysia, financial institutions and enforcement agencies.
"This is a very good proposal and is being studied so that we can ensure better monitoring and take harsher action against online gambling activities," she said.
The proposed arrangement remains under review. It would address financial channels associated with illegal gambling, complementing the existing work on identifying online material and restricting access to websites.
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Operations Also Target Fraudulent Messaging Equipment
MCMC is working with PDRM and telecommunications service providers through Op Pancing and Op Delusi to address the misuse of Fake Base Transceiver Station equipment, commonly known as Fake BTS. Such equipment can send large volumes of text messages, including messages containing links to illegal activities.
Teo also clarified the division of responsibilities surrounding arrests and the seizure of gambling proceeds. Responding to RSN Rayer, she said those powers fall under PDRM’s jurisdiction. MCMC does not directly arrest suspects or confiscate cash, although it supports enforcement operations conducted by police.
The figures presented to parliament cover a period of almost 22 months, while the separate January-to-July 2026 figures provide a snapshot of more recent enforcement activity. The government is also examining whether closer cooperation with financial institutions could strengthen its response to online gambling syndicates.
Source:
“MCMC Takes Down 724,879 Online Gambling Content, Blocks 2,603 Websites - Teo”, mcmc.bernama.com, November 3, 2026