More than 2,000 online ads removed after MCMC, MoH crackdown on banned products
JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed 2,033 online advertisements promoting banned products and services up to Aug 1 this year, following a surge in public complaints.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the takedowns were carried out in cooperation with the Health Ministry (MoH) and other agencies after MCMC received 2,283 complaints during the period.
The crackdown began in 2022, when only eight such ads were removed.
In 2023, MCMC took down 390 illegal ads from 439 complaints. This year saw a sharp rise, with 3,312 complaints and 1,643 ads already removed before the latest action.
"MoH has the expertise to identify fake medicines or unapproved health services.
"If we receive public complaints, we will verify them with MoH before instructing social media platforms to take down the ads," Teo said after launching the Johor leg of the Geran Digital PMKS Madani Festival 2025 in Permas Jaya today.
She said that the clampdown aims to protect consumers from fraudulent health claims and unsafe services.
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