Malaysia Sets Talks with Meta Over Unchecked Gambling Ads on Facebook

Malaysian authorities are set to hold urgent talks with Meta executives on September 22 to address the unchecked spread of illegal gambling advertisements on Facebook, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced. Despite government alerts, the platform remains flooded with prohibited content. “The majority of content taken down from Facebook is related to gambling,” Fahmi noted.

The minister revealed that the dispute goes beyond content removal to Meta’s financial infrastructure. He criticized its refusal to block credit cards funding illegal ads. “If a gambling ad is paid for using a credit card, and Facebook knows this content is illegal in Malaysia, they should block the credit card account used,” Fahmi emphasized, accusing the tech giant of enabling law violations.

Striking a Balance

Minister Fahmi Fadzil dismissed calls for an outright Facebook ban despite the growing concerns, stressing the platform’s crucial role in Malaysia’s digital economy and civic life. “Many people benefit from these platforms socially and economically, but we cannot allow criminals to misuse them for profit or to commit online crimes,” he stated, pushing for targeted reforms over outrageous measures.

The government will prioritize collaborative solutions during the September 22 talks. Fahmi disclosed plans to discuss Meta’s compliance with Malaysia’s ASP Class License framework for digital services. He also confirmed unresolved queries from the tech firm regarding licensing obligations will be addressed.

Expanding Digital Safety

Malaysia’s Communications Ministry is scaling up nationwide efforts to combat cyber risks beyond gambling ads. Minister Fahmi spotlighted the MCMC-led Safe Internet Campaign that has already educated students in 2,600 schools and targets 10,000 institutions by 2026. The initiative works alongside university partnerships to foster responsible online behavior among young people.

“We must use the internet safely, and in fact, we have the ability to make it safer, especially for children and families,” Fahmi emphasized during a Penang visit. He also praised the 42 Nadi centers established under the 1 State Constituency 1 Nadi program, which have engaged 10,800 members since May 2025 and hosted 17,800 participants in digital literacy programs. The minister labeled Nadi managers critical “ambassadors” bridging communities with cybersecurity practices.

Strict Demands

Malaysia’s government has outlined non-negotiable expectations for Meta ahead of the meeting, demanding concrete actions to prevent criminal exploitation of its platforms. Minister Fahmi stressed that illegal gambling operations will not be tolerated, but acknowledged Meta’s socioeconomic value. Authorities seek enhanced cooperation to tackle rampant gambling ads to balance user safety with social media access.