Malaysia, Singapore tighten oversight of social networks to prevent scams

VNA
July 25, 2026

Malaysia and Singapore are broadening their oversight of some of the most popular social media, messaging platforms and market sites in order to curb surges in online scams and harm against minors.

Malaysia and Singapore are broadening their oversight of some of the most popular social media, messaging platforms and market sites in order to curb surges in online scams and harm against minors.

Southeast Asian countries have some of the world's most engaged social media users, but analysts say the wider adoption of online services could lead to an increase in online scams.

Malaysia's new regulation, scheduled to be implemented by the end of the year, will require online platforms, including social media sites like Facebook, X and TikTok and messaging services like WhatsApp, to register for a license and renew it every year. Failure to do so will make the platform illegal, incurring a penalty of up to 500,000 RM (US$107,000).