Each request to remove scam-related content from online platforms takes between 30 and 45 minutes for Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) officers to process, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.
He said the lengthy process highlighted the significant challenge faced by the government in tackling increasingly widespread cybercrime.
Fahmi said the government had gazetted two new codes, namely the Child Protection Code (CPC) and Risk Mitigation Code (RMC), which social media platforms are required to comply with to better control harmful content, including scams, online gambling and child exploitation.
“Under these two codes, the identified social media platforms have been given several months to comply before further action is taken.
“This is to prevent harmful content that could threaten users’ property or lives from continuing to circulate on their respective platforms,” he said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting here today.
Fahmi said MCMC had so far identified 127,568 pieces of scam-related content for removal, including fake announcements involving government assistance, such as false claims about additional payments under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) scheme that were never announced by the Finance Ministry.
He said the figure accounted for 27% of all content removal requests submitted by MCMC to social media platforms.
“Of the scam content requested to be removed, 53% was found on Facebook, while 39% was on TikTok, with the remainder spread across other platforms,” he said.
Fahmi said Facebook and TikTok had become the main platforms used by syndicates to spread false information and scam members of the public.
He therefore urged the public to verify information through fact-checking platforms such as Sebenarnya.my and MyCheck, as well as consult reports from mainstream media before believing or sharing information circulating on social media.
