KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation into reports that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, profits from fraudulent ads related to online gambling and illicit activities.
In response to the Reuters news agency’s report, MCMC stated that it takes the matter seriously and echoed concerns raised by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The Commission will summon Meta to provide an official explanation regarding the accuracy of the report.
“At the same time, MCMC will commence an investigation into the matter. If proven true, this will be considered a serious violation of public trust and the laws of the country,” the statement read.
On Friday, Reuters revealed that Meta is expecting approximately 10% of its total revenue for 2024 – around US$16 billion – to come from fraudulent ads and prohibited products.
Internal Meta documents, which had not been previously reported, showed that the social media giant had failed to identify and stop ads exposing billions of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users to e-commerce and investment scams, illegal online gambling, and the sale of banned medical products.
One document dated December 2024 stated that Meta was distributing around 15 billion “high-risk” ads showing clear signs of fraud to its platform users.
Meanwhile, MCMC noted that prior to the report’s publication, it had conducted engagement sessions with major social media platforms, including Meta, regarding issues of fraudulent advertising and online gambling.
In these sessions, MCMC stressed its concerns about the unusually high number of takedown requests it had to submit to Meta compared to other platforms.
“From January 1 to November 4, 2025, MCMC submitted 157,208 requests to Meta to remove illegal online ads, including 44,922 related to fraudulent ads. This is significantly higher compared to other platforms,” the statement added.
“During the same period, takedown requests for online gambling ads were submitted to TikTok (3,956), Telegram (269), X (formerly Twitter) (11), and YouTube (45,448).”
MCMC also pointed out that Meta had been advised previously to adopt a more proactive approach in combating fraud and online gambling, as the current measures were insufficient and continued to have a negative impact on society.
To ensure better online safety, MCMC emphasized that all social media platforms and internet messaging services must be legally licensed and demonstrate systems and measures to prevent illegal activities.
These platforms are also encouraged to implement user identity verification systems to improve transparency and accountability.
“Should there be evidence that any platform is deliberately facilitating or colluding in unlawful activities, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the country’s laws,” MCMC said. – November 8, 2025