The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is the federal agency responsible for regulating online content and communications infrastructure. Specifically, under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the new Online Security and Safety Act (ONSA), MCMC has broad powers to block illegal gambling websites and order platforms to remove gambling content.
In 2026, MCMC has intensified its enforcement against illegal bookmakers and online gambling operators. In the first 15 days of the year alone, the commission removed 15,519 pieces of online gambling content. As a result, this article explains MCMC’s enforcement actions, the legal framework that empowers it, the penalties involved, and what the future holds for illegal gambling operators targeting Malaysia.
MCMC’s 2026 Crackdown – Record Site Removals
On 22 May 2026, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that MCMC had stepped up its efforts to combat online gambling. Between 1 January and 16 May 2026, the commission received 20,378 complaints related to online gambling and scams. During the same period, MCMC removed 15,519 gambling websites and online advertising content.
The scale of the crackdown is unprecedented. For comparison, in the whole of 2025, MCMC blocked approximately 30,000 gambling sites. Notably, the 2026 rate suggests that by year’s end, the total could exceed 60,000 blocks – double the previous year’s figures.
MCMC uses a multi‑pronged approach. It orders internet service providers (ISPs) to block gambling domains. It also requests that social media platforms and search engines remove gambling‑related content. Popular platforms such as Facebook, Google and TikTok have complied with these requests, removing thousands of posts and advertisements promoting illegal bookmakers.
The government has also partnered with financial institutions to identify and block payments to illegal gambling sites. Bank Negara Malaysia has issued guidelines requiring banks to flag suspicious transactions linked to online gambling. Payment processors that fail to comply risk fines and loss of operating licences.
MCMC Enforcement Statistics (2026)
| Period | Complaints Received | Gambling Sites/Content Removed | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–16 May 2026 | 20,378 | 15,519 | Removal of gambling content |
| Full year 2025 (est.) | ~50,000 | ~30,000 | ISP blocking and content removal |
| Projected 2026 (annualised) | ~150,000 | ~60,000 | Increased use of ONSA fines |
Legal Framework – CMA 1998 and ONSA
MCMC derives its powers from two main laws. The Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998) gives the commission authority to regulate online content. Section 211 prohibits content that is indecent, obscene, false, menacing or offensive. Gambling content falls under this prohibition. MCMC can order service providers to remove such content and block access to offending websites.
The Online Security and Safety Act (ONSA) , passed in 2025, significantly expanded MCMC’s enforcement powers. ONSA imposes a duty on social media platforms and internet messaging services to ensure their platforms are not used for unlawful activities, including illegal gambling. Platforms that fail to comply can be fined up to RM10 million. Individual directors and officers can also be prosecuted.
Under ONSA, MCMC can issue a “safety determination” requiring a platform to take specific actions, such as removing gambling accounts, deleting promotional content, or ceasing to allow advertisements for illegal bookmakers. The law also requires platforms to have a local representative in Malaysia who can be served legal notices.
The law applies to all platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users. This threshold currently includes Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and Google. These platforms are required to remove illegal gambling content within 24 to 48 hours of being notified by MCMC.
ONSA Fines – RM1 Million to RM10 Million
ONSA imposes tiered financial penalties on platforms that allow illegal gambling content to persist after notice.
- First offence: Fine up to RM1 million
- Subsequent offences: Fine up to RM10 million
- Daily penalty: For continuing offences, a further fine of up to RM50,000 for each day the content remains online
MCMC has already issued notices to several platforms. Specifically, in March 2026, the commission warned that repeated failures to remove gambling content would result in fines. For example, one unnamed social media platform was reportedly fined RM2 million for failing to remove over 1,000 gambling advertisements within the prescribed 48‑hour window.
The fines are imposed on the platform operators, not on individual users. However, ONSA also allows for prosecution of platform executives who knowingly permit illegal gambling content to remain online. This personal liability has prompted major platforms to increase their content moderation teams in Malaysia.
MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din has stated that the commission will not hesitate to use its full powers under ONSA. He noted that illegal gambling syndicates have become increasingly sophisticated, using encrypted messaging apps and cryptocurrency payments to evade detection. ONSA is designed to hold the platforms responsible for closing these loopholes.
ONSA Penalties for Non‑Compliance
| Offence | Fine | Additional Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| First failure to remove gambling content | Up to RM1 million | – |
| Subsequent failure (same platform) | Up to RM10 million | – |
| Continuing offence after notice | – | RM50,000 per day |
| Platform executive knowingly permitting offence | Up to RM1 million | Imprisonment possible |
Public Requests and Future Enforcement
MCMC does not only act on its own initiative. The commission also responds to public complaints. Since 1 January 2026, MCMC has received 203,918 public requests to remove online content. Of these, 91 per cent – approximately 185,000 requests – were related to gambling and scams.
The high volume of public complaints indicates widespread public concern about online gambling. It also demonstrates that MCMC is responsive to citizen reports. Members of the public can report illegal gambling websites through the commission’s online portal or via its hotline.
Looking ahead, MCMC has signalled that it will expand its use of ONSA to target cryptocurrency‑friendly gambling platforms. These platforms often operate outside traditional financial systems, making them harder to block through payment restrictions. MCMC is working with Bank Negara Malaysia to identify and block crypto wallets associated with illegal gambling.
The government is also drafting a new gambling bill to update the substantive gambling laws. That bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament in late 2026, will give MCMC additional powers to target offshore operators and to impose higher fines on non‑compliant platforms. For now, MCMC continues its aggressive blocking campaign, and illegal bookmakers face an increasingly hostile enforcement environment.
MCMC has dramatically escalated its enforcement against illegal bookmakers and online gambling operators in 2026. In the first four‑and‑a‑half months of the year, the commission removed over 15,500 gambling websites and pieces of content. The new Online Security and Safety Act empowers MCMC to impose fines of up to RM10 million on non‑compliant platforms, with daily penalties for continuing offences.
The government is also drafting a new gambling bill to further strengthen enforcement. For illegal bookmakers targeting Malaysia, the regulatory environment has never been more hostile. For the public, reporting illegal gambling sites has become an important tool in the government’s enforcement arsenal.
Sources: MCMC, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Online Security and Safety Act 2025, New Straits Times
How Is MCMC Enforcing Against Illegal Bookmakers?
Q1: How many gambling sites has MCMC blocked in 2026? ▼
Between 1 January and 16 May 2026, MCMC removed 15,519 gambling websites and online advertising content. The commission received 20,378 complaints related to online gambling and scams during the same period. Annualised, the total could exceed 60,000 blocks by year‑end.[Source]
Q2: What is ONSA and how does it apply to gambling? ▼
The Online Security and Safety Act (ONSA) requires social media platforms to remove illegal gambling content. Platforms that fail to comply face fines up to RM10 million. Platform executives can also be prosecuted.[Source]
Q3: Can I report an illegal gambling website to MCMC? ▼
Yes. MCMC has a public complaints portal. Since 1 January 2026, 91% of public requests (approximately 185,000) were related to gambling and scams. The public can help by reporting illegal sites.
Q4: What is the penalty for platforms that host gambling content? ▼
First‑time offenders face fines up to RM1 million. Subsequent offences carry fines up to RM10 million. Continuing offences incur an additional RM50,000 per day. Platform executives can also be fined up to RM1 million and face imprisonment.
Q5: Is MCMC targeting cryptocurrency gambling sites? ▼
Yes. MCMC is working with Bank Negara Malaysia to identify and block crypto wallets associated with illegal gambling. The government is also drafting a new gambling bill to give MCMC additional powers to target offshore operators using cryptocurrency.
