MCMC takes down 724,879 online gambling content items, blocks 2,603 websites

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) took down 724,879 online gambling-related items, forming 98 per cent of the 738,372 takedown requests submitted between Jan 1, 2025 and Oct 31, 2026.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said MCMC's collaboration with service providers and relevant enforcement agencies also blocked 2,603 gambling websites during the same period.

"The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is the main enforcement agency under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 (Act 289), while MCMC carries out regulatory action on the abuse of communication platforms and networks under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) and the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866)," she said.

She was responding to Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu) at the Dewan Rakyat oral question-and-answer session today.

He asked about the extent of MCMC's technology and expertise in detecting online gambling traffic and in identifying and blocking gambling servers or platforms, including through enforcement with PDRM.

Teo also gave a joint response to Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who asked how many online gambling-related websites and accounts were blocked and how much promotional content was taken down from January to July 2026, broken down by month.

He also asked about joint enforcement measures with agencies and digital platforms to prevent their reappearance, and how effective those measures have been.

She said MCMC also provides investigative assistance, information sharing and digital forensic analysis to PDRM, as well as identifies content and websites used for online gambling.

From January to July this year, Teo said 573 gambling websites were blocked while 253,424 gambling-related items were taken down through collaboration with service providers.

She said MCMC took part in integrated operations led by PDRM, including Op JOL and Op Soga XI this year, to curb online gambling and betting, including activities linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Responding to Roy Angau's supplementary question on calls for a stricter mechanism to block bank accounts and financial transactions linked to online gambling syndicates, Teo said a proposal to strengthen cooperation between MCMC, Bank Negara Malaysia, banking institutions and enforcement agencies is being studied.

"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.

She said MCMC is also working with PDRM and service providers through Op Pancing and Op Delusi to curb the abuse of Fake Base Transceiver Station (Fake BTS) equipment used to send mass text messages, including links to illegal activities.

Responding to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who asked about coordinating the seizure of online gambling proceeds, Teo said arrests and asset seizures are under PDRM's jurisdiction.

She said MCMC does not directly seize cash or make arrests but cooperates in police-led enforcement operations. - BERNAMA