91% of Removed Social Media Content Linked to Online Scams and Gambling
A striking 91 percent of social media content removed by Malaysian authorities is linked to online scams and illegal gambling. This figure reveals the overwhelming dominance of fraud-related content in the country's ongoing battle to clean up digital platforms.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been working with platform operators to identify and remove harmful content. The data confirms that scam advertisements and gambling promotions vastly outnumber other types of harmful content such as misinformation or hate speech.
Scammers use social media platforms as their primary recruitment channel. Facebook remains the most commonly exploited platform, followed by Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Common tactics include fake investment advertisements, fraudulent job postings, romance scam profiles, and impersonation of legitimate businesses.
Paid advertising tools make it easy for scammers to target specific demographics. Malaysians aged 25-45 are most frequently targeted with investment scam ads, while younger users face job scam recruitment and older users encounter Macau Scam variants through messaging apps.
What percentage of removed content in Malaysia is scam-related?
91% of social media content removed by Malaysian authorities is linked to online scams and illegal gambling.
Which social media platform has the most scams in Malaysia?
Facebook is the most commonly exploited platform for scam advertisements in Malaysia, followed by Telegram and WhatsApp.
How do I report scam content on social media?
Report directly on the platform, then file a complaint with MCMC at aduan.skmm.gov.my. If you lost money, call 997 (NSRC).
⚠ Red Flags
- !Ads promising guaranteed returns — "Earn RM 5,000/week from home" or "100% profit guaranteed" with stock market screenshots
- !Unknown accounts sending direct messages — especially offering jobs, investments, or romantic interest
- !Pages impersonating banks or government agencies — slight misspellings or unofficial logos
- !Links to external websites — scam ads often redirect to fake trading platforms or phishing pages
- !Urgency and scarcity — "Only 5 spots left" or "Offer ends today" to pressure quick decisions
🛡 How to Protect Yourself
- 1Do not click any links in suspicious advertisements or messages
- 2Report the content directly to the platform using the report button
- 3Warn friends and family — share this information to prevent others from falling victim
📞 How to Report
- 1Report to MCMC via their complaint portal at aduan.skmm.gov.my
- 2Call 997 (National Scam Response Centre) if you have already lost money
- 3Lodge a police report at your nearest station if you have been victimised
Want to learn more?
Book a scam awareness workshop for your family, community group, or organisation.
View Anti-Scam Programme