Deputy minister: MCMC took down 56,304 fake online content items since 2023

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) logo is seen in the lobby of its headquarters in Cyberjaya on December 22, 2025. — Picture by Choo Choy May

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 12:00 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) submitted 66,568 requests to service providers to remove harmful fake online content between January 1, 2023, and October 15, 2026, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching told Parliament today.

From the total, 86 per cent or 56,304 items of content have been successfully taken down based on complaints received, platform guidelines, and prevailing laws.

“The government will continue to strengthen efforts to curb the spread of fake news through the implementation of appropriate laws and enforcement actions, ensuring the digital space remains safe, responsible, and possessed of integrity to protect society from the harm caused by the dissemination of false information,” Teo said during Question Time.

Within the same period, MCMC investigated 546 cases involving fake content under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Teo said 34 cases were issued compounds amounting to RM1.72 million, 390 cases were classified as ‘no further action’, and 29 cases remain under active investigation.

Nine cases were prosecuted in court, with a dozen concluded resulting in total fines of RM75,500, the deputy minister added.

Teo was responding to Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu), who also questioned if action was taken against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for alleging his predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin supported foreign nationals to use subsidised fuel.

Anwar made the allegation in August last year and directed the MCMC to investigate Muhyiddin, who denied and demanded Anwar retract the remark and apologise.

Teo said the case had been relayed to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“We have referred the case to the AGC, so we are still waiting for a decision from the AGC.”