Telegram, MCMC working to curb online gambling, scams: Fahmi

However, challenges persist as new ones pop up when others shut down, comms minister says

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil (centre) at Taman Seri Sentosa Community Hall attending an eye health programme. He said that Telegram, in cooperation with MCMC, has managed to curb scams and online gambling content and channels on the platforms, but the effort continues as new ones keep appearing. – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop pic, March 10, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Telegram’s cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been successful in curbing scams and online gambling on the platform, but the challenge is ongoing as new scams emerge as soon as others are shut down, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. 

He said Telegram had been working well with MCMC in regulating such content, although several follow-up actions are still needed. 

Fahmi has said that Telegram has assisted in taking down channels and content involved with online gambling, but others will then open. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, March 10, 2024 

“Telegram has assisted in bringing down content and channels involving online gambling. These online gambling channels are creative,” he told reporters at Taman Seri Sentosa Community Hall today during the Kem Kesihatan Mata programme.

“A problem we face is that when a channel is closed down, others will open. So we hope that our cooperation (with Telegram) can be at an even better level in the future.  

“We are also discussing more sustainable methods to combat scams and online gambling, in other social media and online messaging platforms as well. So several matters need to be discussed,” Fahmi added. 

Fahmi gets his eyes checked at the Kem Kesihatan Mata programme at Taman Seri Sentosa Community Hall today. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, March 10, 2024 

Last week, Telegram founder and chief executive officer Pavel Durov said the platform was willing to streamline its regulatory aspects, following a meeting with Fahmi in Dubai.  

Besides regulatory issues with Telegram, the meeting also discussed matters about artificial intelligence and new technology. – March 10, 2024