New Online Safety Act gives MCMC greater enforcement power as digital threats rise
Malaysia’s digital watchdog efforts are ramping up, with 159,518 takedowns of harmful content on social media platforms so far in 2025. The figure was revealed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil during the Ministry of Communications’ monthly assembly, highlighting the government’s intensified efforts to curb online threats.
Online Gambling Dominates Takedown Requests
A staggering 51% of the flagged content involved illegal online gambling — a persistent issue in Malaysia’s digital landscape. This was followed by scams (25%), cyberbullying (12%), and fake news (9%). The requests were submitted to global platforms including Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, with Facebook alone responsible for over 57% of the total takedowns.
According to Fahmi, this aggressive response follows 174,473 formal takedown requests issued by Malaysian authorities since January. The figures reflect an ongoing collaboration between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and major tech companies.
Government Pushes for Accountability Through Online Safety Act
To bolster the country’s digital security framework, Malaysia has enacted the Online Safety Act (OnSA) 2024, a landmark law aimed at increasing platform accountability. Now formally passed through Parliament and granted Royal Assent, the Act provides MCMC with enhanced enforcement capabilities, including the authority to impose penalties on platforms that fail to remove harmful content.
The legislation is expected to cover a wide range of online risks, including child exploitation, unlicensed gambling syndicates, and disinformation campaigns.
Facebook Under Scrutiny for Child Safety Issues
Despite the recent takedown numbers, Fahmi noted a recurring concern over the prevalence of child exploitation content, particularly on Facebook. He referenced Op Pedo Bersepadu, a joint operation conducted in 2024 by the Royal Malaysia Police and MCMC, as an example of proactive law enforcement collaboration.
“More strategic and aggressive approaches are necessary,” Fahmi said, noting that child protection remains a top priority in Malaysia’s digital safety agenda.
Broader Implications for Social Platforms
Malaysia’s approach underlines a growing global trend toward stricter digital governance. With regulators becoming increasingly assertive, platforms are under mounting pressure to implement faster and more transparent moderation systems.
As the Online Safety Act begins to take effect, Malaysia positions itself alongside other countries like the UK and Australia, which have introduced similarly robust frameworks to combat harmful digital content and improve online accountability.
The nation’s message is clear: tolerance for harmful online behavior is narrowing, and enforcement is accelerating.
