Malaysia has introduced stricter rules to combat online scams and fraudulent content on social media platforms. The initiatives, implemented under the Online Safety Act 2025, include mandatory identity verification for advertisers, restrictions on social media access for children under 16, and closer collaboration between authorities, telecom providers, and banks.

Online Scam Content and Sponsored Ads

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil reported that 91% of 271,472 items flagged for removal by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) between January 1 and May 23 were related to online scams, including content linked to online gambling activities. Facebook was identified as the primary platform, hosting 81% of online gambling-related posts and 58% of general scam content.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that new rules require all advertisers using sponsored posts to verify their identities before publishing. “We have seen many sponsored posts using the images of well-known individuals to promote content such as dubious investments, financial scams and online gambling, and so far it has been difficult to take action because we do not know who actually paid for the advertisements,” she said. These identity checks are enforced under the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC) and apply to social media platforms with over eight million Malaysian users.

Protecting Minors on Social Media

As of June 1, children under 16 are prohibited from maintaining social media accounts under Malaysia’s Child Protection Code (CPC). Platforms must implement age verification, requiring official documents such as identity cards or passports, to prevent underage access. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately $2.5 million). The government stressed that parents are exempt from penalties and largely support the initiative, recognizing the risks of cyberbullying, sexual abuse, and child grooming online.

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Strengthening Multi-Agency Cooperation

The Malaysian authorities plan to form a dedicated committee involving enforcement agencies, regulators, banks, and telecom operators to enhance the detection and removal of scam content. This coordination is intended to address the growing sophistication of online scams, including the misuse of artificial intelligence, and to ensure enforcement measures are applied effectively and consistently.

Banks have already intercepted approximately 1.2 billion MYR (300 million USD) in attempted fraud through internal security systems, highlighting the scale of the threat. The measures are expected to be fully operational within two to three weeks following Cabinet approval, creating a more accountable and secure digital environment for social media users.

These actions demonstrate Malaysia’s proactive approach to reducing online fraud while maintaining a clear focus on protecting minors, ensuring corporate responsibility, and preventing deceptive online content—including scams that reference gambling—without regulating gambling itself.

Source:

Malaysia now requires identity checks for sponsored social media ads, says deputy comms minister, malaymail.com, May 31, 2026