The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has received and investigated 1,417 complaints related to offences under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), which covers the improper use of network facilities or services, from 2020 until 31 October 2025.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that out of the total complaints, 61 cases were prosecuted in court, while 40 cases were offered compounds amounting to a total of RM727,500.
“167 cases received warning notices, while the remaining 1,149 cases are either still under investigation or were not acted upon,” he stated in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat.
He was responding to a question by Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) regarding the number of individuals investigated and prosecuted under Section 233 of the Act from 2020 to 2025.
Section 233 provides penalties for improper use of network facilities or services, including spreading false information, obscene or offensive content, and threatening communications.
Fahmi also provided a breakdown of cases by year:
- 2020: 188 cases
- 2021: 57 cases
- 2022: 157 cases
- 2023: 155 cases
- 2024: 315 cases
- 2025 (up to 31 October): 545 cases
The increase in complaints this year highlights ongoing concerns about misuse of digital platforms and communication services in Malaysia.
