Malaysia to crack down social media influencers promoting illegal online gambling

In an effort to stop illegal internet gambling from growing in Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has said that it would target social media influencers who support these kinds of activities by the second quarter of 2024.

A spokesman for the MCMC informed The Sun that the organization is now working with significant social media businesses to prepare takedown procedures. The spokesperson also said that, at the latest, by the second quarter of 2024, concrete steps will be taken against those involved in the promotion of illegal online gambling.

The use of illegal internet gambling apps that are posed as “money-making games” and entice participants by having social media influencers share their winnings is the MCMC’s biggest concern. The government claims that these promotions aid in the growth of illicit internet gambling businesses.

A 1953 gaming statute that is upheld by the police forbids online gambling in Malaysia. The MCMC works closely with law enforcement to combat illicit actions related to online gambling marketing, in line with its zero-tolerance policy.

The MCMC has been actively involved in the annual closure of almost 1,300 online gambling websites since 2018, the spokesperson said, underscoring the preemptive actions taken by the commission. In addition, they said that over 520,000 phone numbers and social media accounts had been blocked due to their association with the promotion of online gambling, among other infractions including unlawful lending.

Original story by: Asia Gaming Brief