Slow Platform Response Exposes Users to Scam and Gambling Ads, Says Teo
KULAI: Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has warned that delays in blocking harmful online content are allowing scam and gambling advertisements to reach users first.
She said most content reported to the Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (MCMC) involved sponsored posts, with certain parties paying platforms to increase their reach.
Although platforms often agree to remove such content after complaints, Teo noted that action is usually taken only after the advertisements have already circulated.
Weak Initial Screening
Teo stressed that the main concern lies in the lack of effective screening before content is approved and promoted.
“The key issue is why this type of content is not filtered more strictly at the initial stage, indirectly enabling online fraud and gambling,” she told reporters.
She was speaking after attending the Next Gen Luxury Coach handover ceremony in Senai.
Thousands of Harmful Posts Removed
Teo revealed that in the first 15 days of this year alone, MCMC removed 15,519 pieces of gambling-related content and 5,241 posts linked to fraudulent activities, including sponsored advertisements.
She said MCMC will invoke provisions under the Online Safety Act to ensure licensed platform providers fulfil their responsibilities, particularly in content review and approval.
The move aims to speed up removals and prevent harmful material from being published in the first place.
Stronger Cooperation With Police
Teo added that MCMC will continue working closely with the police to tackle online gambling and fraud.
She also encouraged the public to lodge complaints through MCMC’s official channels.
“We want platforms to be held accountable and to stop allowing clearly harmful content to exist in their digital spaces,” she said.
-wilayah.com.my
