Approximately 2,000 ads promoting health products have been removed without approval since the beginning of January
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Cracks Down on Unauthorised Health Advertisements
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been actively removing over 2,000 unauthorised online advertisements related to medicine and health services between January and August 1, 2025. This significant increase in enforcement actions is a response to 2,283 complaints, mostly from the Ministry of Health (MoH), during the same period [1][2][5].
In a joint effort to protect consumers from misleading, unauthorised, or harmful medical products and health service advertisements circulating online, the MCMC collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health. The MoH flags suspicious ads, and the MCMC initiates takedown processes [1][2]. When complaints come from the public, such as those concerning fake medicines, the MCMC first refers these to the health authorities for verification before proceeding with removal actions [1][2]. This ensures only verified misleading or harmful ads are targeted.
The Deputy Communications Minister, Teo Nie Ching, has emphasized this joint effort as a critical component of ongoing enforcement against illegal online health claims and products [1][2]. The collaboration aims to maintain consumer trust and safety in the digital health product space.
This sustained campaign against misleading health product advertising online began in 2022, with the MCMC receiving 8 complaints and removing all related ads [1][2][5]. The number of complaints and ads removed by the MCMC has increased significantly over the years. In 2023, the MCMC received 439 complaints and removed 390 ads, while in 2024, the number of complaints rose to 3,312, with 1,643 unauthorised ads removed [1][2].
The MCMC is a governmental body responsible for communications and multimedia in Malaysia. By taking action against unauthorised online ads that are related to medicine or health services, the MCMC is actively involved in the regulation of online ads related to these sectors. The MCMC's actions against unauthorised online ads are aimed at protecting the public from false or unauthorised medicine or health service advertisements.
This joint approach between communications regulation and health authorities continues to strengthen consumer protection in Malaysia’s digital health product space. The Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching made these statements at the Johor-level Madani MSME Digital Grant Festival 2025 in Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru.
[1] Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) press release, 2025. [2] Ministry of Health press release, 2025. [5] Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) annual report, 2024.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) aims to ensure the safety and accuracy of health- and wellness-related information online, taking down over 2,000 unauthorised medical-condition and health advertisements from January to August 1, 2025. This joint effort is intended to maintain trust in the digital health product space in Malaysia.
