PETALING JAYA:
An anti-scam activist has urged the government to set up a dedicated task force to swiftly take down online gambling websites and advertisements.
Rahmat Fitri Abdullah said scammers and online gambling operators are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics that expose social media users to greater risks, as their content continues to spread widely across these platforms.
“That’s why I propose that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) set up a special team tasked with promptly blocking and removing online gambling sites and social media accounts that promote such activities.
“There’s no need to wait for public complaints. The faster the content is taken down or blocked, the lower the risk of it reaching the public,” he told FMT.
On Feb 13, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that a total of 5,026 gambling websites had been blocked, and 224,403 gambling-related posts on social media platforms had been taken down between 2022 and Feb 1 this year.
He said the move was part of efforts to create a safer and more sustainable internet ecosystem for all users.
The initiative also aligns with MCMC’s requirement for all social media service providers to apply for a Class Licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which came into effect on Jan 1.
Rahmat also proposed a new legal provision to empower police to inspect individuals’ mobile phones as part of efforts to curb online gambling.
“There needs to be tougher action against gamblers. Just blocking platforms isn’t enough because they can always find alternatives.
“So the police should be allowed to detain individuals suspected of involvement in online gambling,” he added.
Meanwhile, independent criminologist Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim said the government should review current laws and consider harsher penalties for those involved in online gambling.
He said this would help deter syndicates, including foreign ones, that frequently use Malaysia as a hub for illegal online gambling operations.
Shahul also urged parents to regularly check their children’s mobile phones, as young people are particularly vulnerable to such activities.
“Smartphones can be both beneficial and harmful. But if you’re giving one to your child, you need to supervise their usage.
“There’s a real concern they could be lured in by the tempting rewards offered through online gambling,” he said.