Malaysia will enforce mandatory identity verification for all advertisers using sponsored posts on social media platforms starting June 1, 2026, under new regulations in the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The requirement is part of the Risk Mitigation Code (RMC), which applies to social media providers licensed for having more than 8 million users in Malaysia [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will oversee the identity verification process, which all advertisers must complete before ads receive approval, regardless of whether the advertiser is an individual or a registered entity [1, 2, 3, 5]. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching explained the measure targets fraudulent activities often hidden behind anonymous sponsored posts. "We have seen many sponsored posts using the images of well-known individuals to promote content such as dubious investments, financial scams and online gambling, and so far it has been difficult to take action because we do not know who actually paid for the advertisements," she said [1].
The RMC also aims to curb online fraud, digital gambling, misuse of identities, and other financial scams promoted via social media ads [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Alongside the RMC, the Child Protection Code (CPC) will take effect simultaneously on June 1. The CPC includes an age-verification mechanism that bars anyone under 16 from opening social media accounts. Verification will require official documents such as identity cards or passports [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Parents have largely welcomed the new safety measures. Teo noted, "Parents are indeed very supportive because they understand that the internet presents many issues such as cyberbullying, sexual abuse and child grooming, all of which are concerns faced by parents" [3].
The government has promised a reasonable grace period to help platform providers comply but expects a high compliance level overall [2]. The identity verification requirements apply only to licensed social media platforms with more than 8 million users in Malaysia, reflecting the scale of platforms targeted [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The rules come into effect June 1, with compliance duties binding under the Online Safety Act 2025. The announcement was publicly made by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching on May 31 during the launch of the Kota Melaka WRUR Programme in Taman Kota Laksamana Cheng Ho [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
