Malaysia removes 98% of flagged online gambling content
The MCMC also blocked 2,603 illegal gambling websites and is studying stronger measures to trace and block financial transactions linked to gambling syndicates.
Key takeaways:
- Malaysia removed 724,879 online gambling-related items between January 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026, representing 98 per cent of 738,372 takedown requests.
- The MCMC blocked 2,603 illegal gambling websites through coordination with service providers and law enforcement.
- Between January and July 2026, joint operations resulted in the shutdown of 573 gambling websites and the removal of 253,424 promotional items.
- The MCMC supported police operations targeting illegal betting, including activities linked to international sporting events and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The government is studying stronger cooperation between the MCMC, Bank Negara Malaysia, commercial banks and law enforcement to trace and block financial transactions linked to illegal online gambling.
Malaysia.- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) claims to have removed 724,879 online gambling-related items between January 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026. This figure represents 98 per cent of the 738,372 takedown requests submitted during that timeframe. It says it also blocked 2,603 illegal gambling websites through coordinated efforts with service providers and law enforcement.
The data was presented by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. Addressing inquiries from lawmakers regarding the agency’s technological capabilities, Teo said that MCMC provides crucial digital forensic analysis, investigative assistance, and network monitoring to aid the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). Between January and July 2026 alone, this led to the shutdown of 573 gambling sites and the removal of 253,424 items of promotional content, Teo said. The MCMC has also played an active support role in major police-led operations like Op JOL and Op Soga XI, which targeted illicit betting around international sports events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The regulator is also collaborating with telecom providers and police in drives like Op Pancing and Op Delusi to try to eliminate Fake Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment commonly used to mass-send unauthorised text messages containing illegal betting links. Teo said the government is currently studying a proposal to enhance cooperation among MCMC, Bank Negara Malaysia, commercial banking institutions, and law enforcement agencies to establish mechanisms to monitor, trace, and block financial transactions and bank accounts tied to illegal online gambling networks.
