Online Fraud Losses Hit RM958m in First Half of 2026 as Fahmi Demands Social Platforms Take Proactive Action

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 18 — Online fraud and cybercrime inflicted an alarming RM958 million in financial losses across Malaysia between January and June this year, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil revealed today.

In response to the mounting cyber threat, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has intensified operations to purge harmful content across major digital platforms.

Fahmi disclosed that between Jan 1 and yesterday, MCMC requested the takedown of 470,593 pieces of harmful content across social media channels. Platform operators complied by removing 93 percent—or 436,661 items—of the flagged content.

An analysis of the flagged material reveals that illegal gambling promotions accounted for the lion’s share at 64 percent, while fraudulent scam content represented 27 percent.

Platform-specific data showed that Facebook was the primary medium associated with illegal gambling content at 78 percent, followed by YouTube at 18 percent and TikTok at four percent. Facebook also recorded the highest percentage of fraudulent scam content at 53 percent, with TikTok registering 39 percent and Threads accounting for five percent.

Emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change, Fahmi insisted that global technology providers must move beyond passive reliance on user complaints or regulator takedown notices.

“Platforms must shoulder greater responsibility to ensure a safe online environment,” Fahmi declared.

To curb cybercriminal activities, MCMC is enhancing intelligence-led investigations and tightening regulatory protocols. Key initiatives include strengthening mandatory standards for prepaid mobile SIM card registrations and fortifying digital identity verification measures to prevent service abuse.

Fahmi spoke during a press conference following the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) and MCMC aimed at bolstering joint enforcement, intelligence sharing, and cross-border cybercrime investigations.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, and Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.

–NMT