The Malaysian government found an ally with the messaging app Telegram as the platform vowed to cooperate in the country’s fight against illegal online gambling and scams.   Last week, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov met with Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil in Dubai.   Asia Gaming Brief reported that the meeting highlighted the growing concerns surrounding scams and illegal gambling activities on the platform.   The country’s Communications and Multimedia Commission said Telegram’s commitment is a significant step forward in combating cyber threats.   It added that the collaboration aims to make regulatory measures designed to protect users more efficient, as well as to new mechanisms and procedures designed to identify and address online risks.    According to the report, Telegram’s anonymity and encrypted messaging features have made it attractive to individuals seeking to engage in illicit activities, including gambling and scams.  

Majority of Malaysians use Telegram  

According to  from Statista, Telegram is the leading messenger app in Malaysia in 2022.   It is followed by WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat.   The Asia Gaming Brief also reported that 15 million Malaysians use Telegram.  

Malaysia prohibits online gambling  

Malaysia’s Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 prohibits online gambling.   Based on this law, the maximum penalty for those who gamble illegally is RM100,000 (€19,500) and a minimum jail sentence of 6 months.   Meanwhile, Malaysia’s The Betting Act 1953 bans all forms of gambling unless the company has a legal license to operate and covers telecommunications and other means of transmitting bets between customers and betting houses.   Violators of this act will face a RM200,000 (€39,000) fine and 5 years in jail. 

SiGMA Africa – only one week away!   

Just a week away until the highly anticipated SiGMA Africa event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa toward a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.