Media platform providers told to remove advertisements on gambling

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has communicated with media platform providers such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to remove advertisements that invite Muslims to gamble to get funds for the "balik kampung" trip in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration.

In a statement today, MCMC said the content would be removed in accordance with the terms of service, as well as the community standards set by the overseas- based media platform providers.

The statement was issued following a two-minute video advertisement by a gambling company, which went viral on social media sites, inviting netizens to earn extra money for the Aidilfitri celebration by using the company service.

The commission said parties involved, such as the production team, should be more sensitive to not complicit in activities that promote online gambling, which is clearly against the law.

"Production of the content production is subject to the Communications and Multimedia Content Code which should be complied with by those involved in the production and distribution of content," it said.

MCMC said in the freedom to provide content, providers should follow a content code that is in line with the norms of a pluralistic Malaysian society.

It said the act of disseminating the content would only directly help those involved in spreading messages that promote gambling which could be detrimental to the Malaysian community.

"Social media users should also be more responsible by reporting such matters directly to the authorities for action instead of disseminating the content," it said.

According to MCMC, online gambling activities and promotions are subject to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which is under the jurisdiction of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

Since March 12, MCMC has been operating fast-track restrictions by enabling the PDRM to order Internet service providers to block access to websites that violate the provisions of the law under the act.

-- BERNAMA