Online scam-related content has recorded a significant upward trend, with more than 43,000 posts removed in the first quarter of this year alone, according to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
Citing data from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Teo said a total of 43,618 pieces of content—including fake accounts and impersonation materials—were taken down between January 1 and March 31.
She described the scale of the problem as increasingly alarming, noting that scam-related content has surged sharply over recent years, reflecting a growing digital threat landscape.
According to her figures, removals stood at 6,297 posts in 2023, jumped significantly to 63,652 in 2024, and further increased to 98,503 in 2025, highlighting an escalating trend in online fraud activities.
Teo said scammers are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including cases where fraudulent content impersonates high-profile figures such as royalty and regional leaders.
She cited examples involving AI-generated videos misusing the voice of Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, to promote fake financial assistance schemes, as well as similar tactics involving former Singapore President Halimah Yacob.
Speaking at the 21st General Assembly of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ), she warned that AI-driven scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.
While acknowledging AI’s benefits in improving newsroom efficiency, data analysis and content accessibility, she stressed that the technology also poses serious risks, including misinformation, intellectual property misuse and erosion of public trust.
“Journalism must remain human at its core. AI should support journalists, not replace human judgment, ethics and accountability,” she said.
Teo also highlighted ongoing government efforts to strengthen the media sector through the RM30 million Media Innovation Fund, which supports digital transformation initiatives in journalism.
The fund provides grants for training, technology adoption, equipment upgrades and content development, with multiple phases already underway and further application windows opening in the coming months.
