Malaysia’s federal government is preparing legislation aimed at combatting illegal gambling, including online activities, with plans to table the bill in the next sitting of Parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the draft law is under review and may be introduced in the Dewan Rakyat, the country’s lower house, depending on its readiness.
“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.”
Fadillah said the proposal does not yet have an official name and remains under study. Authorities are considering whether to introduce it as a standalone act or to incorporate it into existing legislation, including amendments to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 or other cybercrime-related laws.
“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 Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 defines gaming as “the playing of any game of chance or of mixed chance and skill for money or money’s worth.” As of 2020, violations carried penalties ranging from fines of RM5000-RM100,000 (US$1,300 to US$25,560) and minimum jail terms of six months.
According to Fadillah, the proposed legislation would grant police and relevant agencies expanded authority to act against illegal operators.
“The way forward is to strengthen laws so the police will have clearer powers to take action, alongside enforcement authority at the local council level,” he said.
Fadillah said he could not provide statistics on the current scale of illegal gambling. “The important thing is, whether the cases are high or low, we must take this seriously,” he said.
The initiative follows changes in how illegal gambling is conducted in Malaysia. Authorities report that operations have increasingly moved from physical premises to digital channels, including mobile devices and social media platforms.
Data from the Ministry of Communications in 2025 indicated that Facebook accounted for about 93% of reported illegal gambling advertisements. Malaysian officials previously criticized Meta over the presence of online gaming promotions on the platform.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said in January that existing laws need to keep pace with technological developments, including social media marketing and the use of e-wallets that facilitate instant deposits.
Law enforcement agencies have also adjusted their approach. In November, Sarawak police said they were focusing on methods to block access to gambling platforms as mobile-based betting becomes more prevalent.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said authorities were working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd to enhance system-blocking measures.
While online channels account for a growing share of activity, some physical venues continue to operate discreetly, often under the cover of convenience stores, street stalls, or internet cafés, complicating enforcement efforts.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/20/117709-malaysia-drafts-new-illegal-gambling-bill-with-expanded-police-authority
