The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) yesterday announced that it has blocked 6,381 gambling sites from 2020 until the end of 2022. Besides that, the commission also terminated a total of 212,399 mobile and fixed telephone lines during the period which sent dubious SMS promoting online gambling, unlicensed loans and others.
As reported by BERNAMA, the actions were taken following the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) request. In a statement yesterday, MCMC stressed that it is always committed to supporting PDRM enforcement actions to crack down on gambling activities that are subject to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 (Act 289).
MCMC elaborated that its role is to provide technical assistance to the police, including the provision of information and blocking of gambling websites based on PDRM’s requests. Moreover, in addition to enforcement actions (prosecution or sanctions), MCMC also stressed that self-awareness, education and self-control are also vital in efforts to combat online gambling.
Hence, in general, users can also play a role in efforts to block online gambling promotion activities by reporting to MCMC the promotion of gambling advertisements received via SMS so that online cancellation can be carried out with the cooperation of telecommunications service providers. The statement asserted,
“If users receive gambling advertisements through short messaging applications such as WhatsApp and social media like Facebook, report the number or social media account to the application service or social media platform providers so that the number or account cannot send online gambling promotional advertisements to other users,”
So, what do you guys think of this statement by MCMC? Have you gotten any online gambling advertisements on social media recently? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!
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