Key Moments:
- Over 150,000 scam and gambling-related Facebook posts were removed in the first nine months of 2025
- The Malaysian government plans to urge global platforms for mandatory e-KYC using MyKad, Passport, or MyDigital ID
- Authorities are set to meet Meta, TikTok, and other major platforms in Singapore to push for quicker content removal and stricter compliance
Regulators Demand Quicker Action on Illicit Content
Malaysian authorities are intensifying efforts to combat online scams and illegal gambling content. Therefore, they are pressing technology platforms to adopt tougher identity checks and respond faster to harmful material. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has scheduled talks in Singapore with Meta, TikTok, and others. The goal is to create stronger enforcement against fraud and illegal gambling promotion.
Government Pushes for Mandatory e-KYC Verification
A primary focus of the discussions in Singapore will be the introduction of electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) protocols. The government intends to require users to link their accounts with official identification, such as MyKad, Passport, or MyDigital ID. This initiative is intended to reduce anonymity on digital platforms, which authorities believe significantly contributes to the proliferation of scams.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the urgency, stating that the government is no longer willing to tolerate delays in removing illegal content. Fahmi stated, “Digital safety cannot rely on voluntary compliance.”
Increasing Regulatory Workload
Officials report that managing scam-related content has reached unsustainable levels. In fact, the MCMC’s monthly workload now equals a full year’s effort. Data from the ministry shows that more than 150,000 scam and gambling posts were taken down from Facebook within the first nine months of 2025. The rise in fraudulent investment schemes, illegal gambling promotions, and fake sales shows how serious the problem has become. Moreover, the impact is especially strong among Malaysia’s young and highly connected population. In addition, underage exposure to harmful content — including gambling and pornography — remains a significant concern for regulators.
Table: Key Actions Discussed for Singapore Meeting
| Objective | Details |
|---|---|
| Accelerate Content Removals | Push platforms to promptly eliminate scam and gambling material |
| Improve Reporting Channels | Enable direct, faster communication between authorities and platforms |
| Mandate e-KYC Rollout | Set a timeline for requiring all platforms to implement e-KYC verification |
Regional Trends Influence Malaysia’s Approach
Malaysia’s efforts to introduce mandatory digital identity checks mirror developments elsewhere in the region, where authorities in Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines have also moved toward integrating national ID systems with digital platforms. For Malaysia, deploying MyDigital ID underpins this strategy, and officials see it as vital for enhancing online safety measures.
For the gambling industry, these regulatory steps indicate that identity verification processes are now extending beyond regulated gambling operators to encompass the broader digital ecosystem. Operators may need to prepare for verification not just at the operator level but also through social media and platform-based processes.
Impact and Questions for Gambling Industry Participants
Licensed gambling operators could encounter both challenges and growth opportunities. Greater enforcement may help curb illegal competition but could also elevate compliance obligations and alter how marketing campaigns are run on digital platforms.
- How will e-KYC adoption on social platforms integrate with existing anti-money laundering and KYC programs?
- Could new verification frameworks provide simplified channels for onboarding users?
- Will advertising flexibility for operators be affected by stricter platform controls?
Consumer Protection and Long-Term Digital Trust
Authorities argue that stricter verification policies are fundamental to consumer protection and the integrity of Malaysia’s digital landscape. Fahmi noted, “The priority is protecting consumers and the integrity of Malaysia’s digital environment,” signaling a determination to enforce higher standards in the online space.
Next Steps: Platform Engagement in Singapore
The upcoming talks in Singapore represent a pivotal moment in Malaysia’s regulatory approach. The willingness of global platforms to adopt mandatory e-KYC and expedite harmful content takedowns could establish a new standard for government intervention in digital markets. A lack of progress may prompt Malaysia to impose its own measures to ensure compliance. For the gambling sector, these developments may hasten the adoption of broader consumer protection protocols linking age and identity verification directly to the digital infrastructure.
- Author
Daniel Williams
