The Malaysian government is drafting new legislation to address illegal gambling activities, including online gambling, amid growing concerns over its social impact and the need for stronger legal oversight, according to The Straits Times.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said the proposed bill could be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, Malaysia’s lower house of Parliament, as early as the next parliamentary sitting, depending on its readiness.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week in Sarawak, Fadillah said the federal government is moving forward with plans to establish a more comprehensive legal framework to combat illegal gambling.
“At the federal level, the government is drafting a law to address illegal gambling. We hope to table it in the next session of Parliament,” he said. “Illegal gambling, if left unchecked, can affect social well-being, especially among our younger generation. That is why the government is treating this matter seriously.”
According to Fadillah, the proposed legislation has not yet been given an official name and remains under review. Authorities are still considering whether it should be introduced as a standalone act or incorporated into existing laws, including possible amendments to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 or cybercrime-related regulations.
“There is no specific name yet. Whether it will be a special act or incorporated under existing cybercrime legislation is still being studied,” he said.
The move comes amid significant changes in the structure of illegal gambling activities in Malaysia. In recent years, such operations have largely shifted from physical gambling outlets to mobile devices and social media platforms. Data from the Ministry of Communications in 2025 showed that Facebook accounted for about 93 percent of reported illegal gambling advertisements.
At the same time, remaining physical gambling venues have become more concealed, often operating under the guise of convenience stores, street stalls, or internet cafés, making enforcement more challenging.
Authorities have also expressed growing concern over the increasing exposure of younger users to online gambling platforms, which are easily accessible and frequently linked to online scams and financial distress.
Once enacted, the proposed law is expected to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, particularly in addressing online gambling, and improve coordination among police and other relevant agencies.
The government’s move follows ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb illegal betting. In November last year, Sarawak police said their focus had shifted toward developing more effective methods to block access to gambling platforms, in response to technological advances that enable gambling through mobile devices.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah previously said a new approach was required, including closer cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd to enhance system-blocking measures.
