Draft bill set for next parliamentary session

Malaysia’s federal government is preparing to table new legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal online gambling, according to Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof.

Speaking after a community event in Petra Jaya, where he serves as MP, Fadillah confirmed that lawmakers are reviewing the draft and expressed hope it will be introduced in the next parliamentary sitting.

“Illegal gambling, if left unchecked, can affect social well-being, especially among our younger generation,” he said, stressing that the government considers the issue a priority.

Special act or amendment to existing law

The proposed framework could take one of two forms:

  • A standalone act targeting illegal online gambling
  • Amendments under existing legislation such as the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953

The 1953 Act defines gaming as participation in games of chance or mixed chance and skill for money or money’s worth. Since reforms in 2020, penalties for violations have included:

  • Fines ranging from RM5,000 to RM100,000
  • Minimum prison terms of six months

Under the new proposal, enforcement powers would be expanded, giving police and government agencies clearer authority to act against illegal operators.

Police call for tech-ready laws

In January, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail acknowledged mounting concern over the rise of illegal online gambling activity.

The Royal Malaysian Police has urged lawmakers to modernise gambling laws to reflect current technological realities, including:

  • Social media advertising
  • Instant deposits via e-wallets
  • Cross-border digital platforms

Authorities argue that enforcement tools must evolve alongside the tactics used by illegal operators.

Pressure on social media platforms

Illegal gambling promotions have increasingly appeared on mainstream digital platforms. Malaysian officials previously criticised Meta for failing to curb gaming advertisements circulating on Facebook.

According to data from the Ministry of Communications, Facebook accounted for 93% of detected illegal gambling promotions last year — a figure that prompted public scrutiny of platform oversight.

No clear data, but political urgency

While Fadillah did not provide updated figures on the scale of illegal gambling in Malaysia, he emphasised that prevalence statistics are secondary to enforcement readiness.

“The important thing is, whether the cases are high or low, we must take this seriously,” he said, adding that stronger laws would also empower local councils to coordinate enforcement efforts.

Summary

Malaysia is moving closer to introducing new legislation targeting illegal online gambling, with Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof confirming a draft bill is under federal review. The proposal could either stand alone or amend the 1953 Common Gaming Houses Act, expanding enforcement powers to address digital gambling channels. As authorities push for laws that match modern technology, the upcoming parliamentary session may mark a significant shift in Malaysia’s regulatory approach to illegal iGaming.