KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has expressed concern following media reports about the use of TikTok for recruiting individuals to smuggle drugs overseas.
In response to the reports, MCMC has formally requested an explanation from TikTok regarding their internal monitoring mechanisms and enforcement actions on content or advertisements suspected of being used for criminal purposes. This includes fake job offers that could potentially deceive users.
Any misuse of online platforms to recruit or deceive users for criminal activities through the spread of false content is considered a serious offense under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588].
Furthermore, Section 263(1) stipulates that license holders must take appropriate measures to ensure their networks or services are not used for illegal activities within Malaysia.
The public has been advised to be cautious of any suspicious job offers on social media, particularly those involving the delivery of goods or luggage abroad. Such offers are often exploited by syndicates to deceive individuals into becoming "drug mules."
MCMC has vowed to continue collaborating closely with enforcement agencies, including the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, to strengthen monitoring efforts and raise public awareness about the risks of social media misuse for transnational criminal activities.
Drug smuggling plot thwarted after last-minute flight cancellation
Yesterday, it was reported that the plot of two couples attempting to smuggle 86 kilograms of cannabis, worth RM8.3 million, hidden in four bags to Manchester, UK, was uncovered after they cancelled their flight at the last moment.
Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, Director-General of AKPS, explained that the action was taken after the individuals realised their intended destination was only Singapore, as promised by the drug syndicate.
"The airline called AKPS, and our officers arrived to begin preliminary investigations. We accompanied the two couples to retrieve their luggage," said Shuhaily. "As the luggage passed through the exit, the illicit goods were detected, prompting AKPS officers to block the individuals' further travel and re-screen their bags."
A second screening confirmed that each bag contained cannabis.
The four suspects, aged between 20 and 24, were believed to have been used as drug mules and were detained at Penang International Airport.
"They travelled from Johor to Penang by bus and stayed in several hotels in Georgetown before their flight. Their destination was Manchester, but they were only promised a stopover in Singapore," Shuhaily added. "While two of the couples were able to board a flight to Manchester, the other two realised that their tickets only covered travel to Singapore. At that point, they decided to cancel their journey and requested their bags back."
The suspects, who worked in the oil and gas sector, as e-hailing drivers, or were self-employed, were detained under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Shuhaily also revealed that initial interviews with the suspects indicated they were lured by a TikTok account, which has since been taken down.
"This account was removed following the investigation, and I want to remind all social media users that nothing comes easy," he stated. "The case has been handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) for further investigation."
He also reminded the public to avoid carrying luggage that does not belong to them when travelling.
"This is not a new warning. Do not carry bags that are not yours at the airport," he urged.
"These individuals were asked to take bags they did not know the owner of. Once they checked in and were directed to collect the luggage, that should have raised a red flag." - November 7, 2025
The post MCMC seeks TikTok’s explanation over drug smuggling recruitment appeared first on Scoop.