COMMUNICATIONS Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has strongly criticised Meta for failing to adequately stem criminal activity on its social media platforms — particularly Facebook — warning that continued inaction could prompt firmer government intervention.
Speaking after a multi-agency meeting with Meta representatives at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) headquarters, Fahmi said the company’s efforts remain “deeply inadequate” in addressing illegal content ranging from online gambling and scams to false information, racial and religious sensitivities (3R content), and the sale of prohibited items such as drug-laced vape liquids.
“The data is alarming. As of 19 September, a total of 168,774 content removal requests were submitted to Meta for Facebook alone — making it the most complained-about platform, accounting for 59 per cent of all takedown requests across social media,” said Fahmi.
Of the total, 120,127 reports were linked to online gambling activities, yet only 114,665 were taken down. In scam-related cases, 36,918 of the 37,722 flagged posts were removed — leaving thousands still accessible on Facebook.
“This is deeply concerning. Unremoved content remains in circulation and continues to put the public at risk,” he added.
The meeting also involved senior officials from the Royal Malaysia Police’s Criminal and Commercial Crime divisions, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC), and the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA).
Data from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) shows that e-commerce scams alone have cost Malaysians more than RM248 million across Meta-owned platforms — Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — from 2023 to August 2025. A total of 18,128 cases were reported.
“These figures demonstrate Meta’s ongoing failure to provide full cooperation in combating cybercrime. It undermines enforcement agencies’ ability to protect Malaysians from a growing wave of online threats,” said the Minister.
Meta, however, has reportedly pledged to improve its response moving forward.
The government also reiterated its call for Meta and other tech platforms to implement stricter identity and age verification measures — including integration with national digital IDs such as MyKad and MyDigital ID — to prevent underage access and better control harmful content.
“The current systems have failed to prevent underage users from signing up or being exposed to inappropriate material,” Fahmi said.
He stressed that the MADANI government would not compromise on digital safety, especially where national security and public welfare are at stake.
“Meta and all social media platforms must take greater responsibility to ensure that unlawful content is swiftly removed,” he said.
Fahmi confirmed that his ministry, together with enforcement agencies, will increase monitoring and is considering further action should Meta’s cooperation not improve. - September 22, 2025
