Checks found that “Mencari Penderma Buah Pinggang” (Looking for Kidney Donors), which had been active since December 2022 with a total of 695 members, can no longer be accessed.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it received two complaints about the group last month.

“We are reviewing the complaints for further action,” MCMC told FMT.

No complaints were lodged with the country’s internet regulator in 2022 or 2023.

On Aug 5, FMT reported a specialist urging the government to probe the sale of kidneys on social media.

Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, a former Pahang health director, said he was worried about the “brazen” and unregulated sale of kidneys.

Those offering to sell their kidneys for between RM10,000 and RM500,000 said they were doing so out of desperation as they needed to settle their debts.

MCMC said it was monitoring content on social media for violations of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and to ensure a safe online environment.

“We are also aware that social media is being used for unlawful activities, and we will take action based on complaints received.”

It also urged the public to be cautious and to report suspicious or unlawful activities on social media.

In April last year, then health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said claims on the buying and selling of organs should be taken seriously and investigated.

Noor Hisham said that the buying and selling of organs was an exploitation of vulnerable groups and a violation of medical ethics.