Update regulations to tackle scam ads
These ads, often circulated through Facebook, are not just anonymous posts but paid content that often resurface even after they are taken down. Their persistence reveals deeper problems in how tech platforms are regulated and what laws are in place to protect Malaysians online.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
14 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
'Arrest Akmal for sowing seeds of racial discord, instigating mob justice, stirring dissent'
THIS is no longer normal. The behaviour of UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has dangerously crossed into perilous territory – inciting division and legitimising violent vigilantism. It is time for the police to arrest Akmal. Malaysia's national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, is a symbol of federal integrity, unity and respect. It should unite Malaysians, not become a weapon in political theatrics. Yet, Akmal has wielded it to create fear and division. In Penang, he threatened 'to educate' a shop owner publicly for unintentionally hoisting the flag upside down unless charges were pressed. He incited his followers online 'to visit' the shop owner – an act thar could lead to violence. Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) Malaysia denounced Akmal's act as 'bullying, vigilantism and a public call for mob action'. But hypocritically, Akmal remained silent when the Terengganu UMNO Youth circulated a campaign poster featuring a Jalur Gemilang flag with only 12 stripes instead of 14 – a clear act of disrespect. His double standard is absolutely shocking: Akmal demanded apologies and legal action in one case but tolerated mistakes within his own political party. Such inconsistency reveals that Akmal's outrage is selective against Malaysia's minority communities, not principled or universal. Long arm of the law This is not harmless political grandstanding – it is a threat to public order and potentially violent. His selective anger sends this message: some mistakes are punishable by public shaming, others are ignored if politically expedient. This paves the way for vigilantism and legitimises intimidation. Malaysians deserve respect for institutions, not fear of retribution. Worse still, Akmal's actions have tangible consequences. A recent controversy – his boycott call against KK Super Mart over 'Allah inscription on socks' – provoked extremist responses, including violent petrol-bomb attacks on multiple KK Mart outlets. When a public figure stirs fervent sentiment without accountability, people get harmed. Adding to this troubling pattern, he has recently made remarks derogating OKU (people with disabilities) by showing a disregard for their dignity and rights of some of Malaysia's most vulnerable citizens. Let us never forget our legal protections: Malaysian law punishes reckless incitement. Under Section 504 of the Penal Code, any act or speech that intentionally insults or provokes and is likely to breach the peace may incur up to two years' imprisonment, a fine or both. In addition, under the Sedition Act 1948, any statement with a 'seditious tendency' – including those that create hostility between races or undermine the authority of government – can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, a fine or both. The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) and the police should be urged to act now – not to silent dissent but to shield Malaysians from political opportunism that risks unity and public safety. Holding politicians accountable regardless of stature or title, protects the sanctity of our national symbols and the cohesion of our society. Arrest Akmal. Let the justice system – fair, fearless and neutral – deliver judgment. Malaysia's harmony depends on it. – Aug 14, 2025 Corruption Watch is a reader of Focus Malaysia. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: N19 Jason Hng 方美铼 இங் மூய் லாய்/Facebook
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Over 82,000 immoral social media content removed at MCMC's request since 2022
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 82,076 pieces of immoral content on social media were taken down by platform providers between Jan 1, 2022, and July 1 this year at the request of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The ministry, in a written reply to Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit), posted on the Parliament's website, stated that the removed content violated the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) as well as other existing laws. Other actions taken include the blocking of the Facebook page named Grup Budak-Budak Sekolah Rendah, which was found to contain elements that violated Section 233 of Act 588, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In response to Muhammad Ismi's question on the existence of immoral service offerings on social media apps, the ministry explained that those actions were part of joint anti-vice enforcement operations under Ops Pedo and Ops Noda, aimed at curbing the spread of inappropriate content on digital and social media platforms. The ministry clarified that content removals are subject to the assessment and discretion of social media platforms, based on their respective community guidelines and the application of relevant local laws. "In addition to social media filtering, the government, through MCMC, has also implemented blocks and restrictions on applications offering immoral services on platforms such as Google Play and Apple Store," the reply stated. However, the ministry noted that control over content on such platforms remains under the policies of their respective providers, which are foreign-owned and operated outside Malaysia. From Jan 1, 2022, to July 1, 2025, social media platforms also removed 37,845 instances of false information and 7,846 posts linked to the sensitive 3R issues (race, religion, and royalty) upon MCMC's request. In a separate response to Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar), the ministry said these actions included the takedown of politically driven troll accounts that manipulated information to provoke racial and religious tensions. "All takedown actions are executed in accordance with existing legislation, regardless of an individual's political affiliation or beliefs, to ensure that freedom of expression is not abused," the ministry said. The ministry also confirmed that MCMC works closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in enforcing Act 588 and related laws. "Action may be taken against any individual under Section 233 of Act 588 for misusing applications or social media services to create and disseminate false or offensive content, with the intent to annoy, harass or harm others," it added. – Bernama
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
Over 82,000 Immoral Social Media Content Removed At MCMC's Request Since 2022
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- A total of 82,076 pieces of immoral content on social media were taken down by platform providers between Jan 1, 2022, and July 1 this year following requests by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The Ministry of Communications, in a written reply to Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit) posted on the Parliament's website, said the removed content violated the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) as well as other existing laws. Other actions taken include the blocking of the Facebook page named Grup Budak-Budak Sekolah Rendah, which was found to contain elements that violated Section 233 of Act 588, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In response to Muhammad Ismi's question on the existence of immoral service offerings on social media apps, the ministry explained that those actions were part of joint anti-vice enforcement operations under Ops Pedo and Ops Noda, aimed at curbing the spread of inappropriate content on digital and social media platforms. The ministry clarified that content removals are subject to the assessment and discretion of social media platforms, based on their respective community guidelines and the application of relevant local laws. 'In addition to social media filtering, the government, through MCMC, has also implemented blocks and restrictions on applications offering immoral services on platforms such as Google Play and Apple Store,' the reply stated. However, the ministry noted that control over content on such platforms remains under the policies of their respective providers, which are foreign-owned and operated outside Malaysia. From Jan 1, 2022, to July 1, 2025, social media platforms also removed 37,845 instances of false information and 7,846 posts linked to the sensitive 3R issues (race, religion, and royalty) upon MCMC's request. In a separate response to Chong Zhemin (PH–Kampar), the ministry said these actions included the takedown of politically driven troll accounts that manipulated information to provoke racial and religious tensions.
