Malaysia cracks down on online gambling and scams in the first week of January

The Malaysian government is committed to fighting against online gambling and scams using deepfake videos and images.

Malaysia.- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has processed 4,699 requests to remove online content related to gambling and scams since January 1.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said at a press conference after the International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2025 that 72 per cent of these requests were related to online gambling, while 14 per cent were linked to scams.

Fadzil then emphasised the government’s role in fighting new challenges such as scams using manipulated videos and images, known as “deepfakes,” which are created by artificial intelligence (AI). To address these issues, the government passed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 last December to strengthen the legal framework.

Some forms of gambling, such as lotteries, casino games and horse racing, are legal in Malaysia. However, all forms of sports betting (at bookmakers) and online gambling are illegal.

Also in December 2024, police in Kuala Lumpur carried out 21 raids and made 29 arrests for alleged illegal gambling. Among those arrested were seven foreigners. Police seized 31 mobile phones, 20 tablets, nine modems and RM2,378 in cash.

Kuala Lumpur police chief, Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, told Harian Metro that raids took place at snooker halls, some of which hid gambling operations on the upper floors.

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The Malaysian government is committed to fighting against online gambling and scams using deepfake videos and images. Malaysia.- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has processed 4,699 requests to…