Malaysia Considers Legal Action Against Facebook Over Scam Cooperation Failures

Malaysia is considering legal action against Facebook (Meta) over the platform's failure to adequately cooperate with authorities in combating online scams. The move signals growing frustration among Malaysian regulators over the role social media platforms play in enabling fraud.

Online scams conducted through Facebook and its associated platforms have cost Malaysians billions of ringgit. Fraudulent advertisements, fake investment schemes, and impersonation scams frequently exploit the platform's massive reach to target victims across the country.

Malaysian authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about social media platforms failing to act swiftly on scam-related complaints. Key grievances include slow or inadequate responses to takedown requests for fraudulent accounts and advertisements, as well as insufficient cooperation with police investigations.

The government's position is that platforms profiting from advertising in Malaysia bear a responsibility to protect users from fraud. When scam advertisements run unchecked and fraudulent accounts remain active despite reports, the platform becomes a conduit for financial crime.

This is not the first time Malaysia has confronted tech companies over online safety. The country has been tightening its regulatory framework around digital platforms, and legal action against Facebook would mark a significant escalation in enforcement.

• Fake investment advertisements — scammers run paid ads promoting fraudulent investment schemes with promises of high returns
• Impersonation accounts — fraudsters create profiles mimicking banks, government agencies, or well-known figures to lure victims
• Marketplace fraud — fake sellers collect payment for goods that are never delivered
• Romance scams — long-running deceptions conducted through Messenger to extract money from victims over time

Is Facebook responsible for scams on its platform in Malaysia?

Malaysia's government is arguing that platforms have a duty to cooperate in scam prevention. Legal action is being considered over inadequate cooperation with authorities.

How do I report a scam on Facebook in Malaysia?

Use the in-app reporting tools, then call 997 (NSRC) and lodge a police report. Report suspicious accounts via SemakMule at semakmule.rmp.gov.my.