THE Cabinet has approved plans to raise the minimum age for social media registration from 13 to 16 years, amid a wider government push to protect children online and improve safety in schools.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that under the new measure, registration will require verification via official documents such as the MyKad, passport or the government’s digital identity platform, MyDigital ID.
“The Cabinet has discussed the government’s intention to raise the age limit for social media users. Previously, we mentioned 13 years (the age limit) but the Cabinet has planned to raise it to 16 years,” Fahmi told a press conference following a Cabinet meeting.
“This age limit method is enforced through registration based on official government documents such as MyKad, Passport, and also through MyDigital ID,” he added.
Fahmi also gave assurances that the privacy of individuals would be safeguarded under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA).
“We will certainly implement this in line with existing legislation including the PDPA, which applies to what is referred to as commercial transactions,” he said.
He clarified that all commercial entities, including social media platforms, e-commerce sites and e-wallet providers, must adhere to the Act.
The minister will meet social media companies in Singapore next week to explore the implementation of the proposed changes.
Meanwhile, in light of recent student-related incidents—including sexual misconduct and fatal violence—the Cabinet has agreed to establish a special committee to review discipline, safety and moral education in schools.
“The Cabinet has discussed the need to conduct a full study on the issues faced by schools. This will be undertaken by a special committee whose report will be prepared in the near future for further action,” Fahmi said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim separately announced that several immediate measures will be introduced to enhance security in schools, with support from the police and the Home Ministry.
“These are measures that must be taken immediately, such as ensuring school safety. We’ve discussed this. The police and the Home Ministry will ensure that school security monitoring is not solely their responsibility,” Anwar told reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Jannatul Firdaus, Putrajaya.
He confirmed that the government is considering restricting smartphone use among students aged 16 and under, citing negative behavioural effects linked to online content and gaming.
“We find that the influence of social media and online gaming sometimes leads to unhealthy behaviour. That is something we will act upon.
“We are considering banning the use of smartphones for those aged 16 and below. The review is ongoing, though many countries have already implemented similar restrictions.
“Phones may still be allowed for essential use, but I believe we must be firm on this. Parents also play an important role,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the need for educational reforms that instil strong moral and ethical values, especially within the national MADANI framework.
“This is what I’ve stressed in the MADANI framework—values and ethics. Education should indeed aim for excellence, but the content must also be critically reviewed.
“Many are exposed to Islamic education, including tahfiz and religious secondary schools, but sometimes the understanding and internalisation are lacking. These are issues that we must examine,” he said.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek is expected to present detailed proposals soon. Anwar called for full cooperation from principals, teachers and parents once the new policies are announced.
The government’s move follows a series of troubling incidents in Malaysian schools.
In Melaka, a case of sexual misconduct among secondary school students sparked widespread concern, while in Selangor, a 16-year-old girl was fatally stabbed by a male student—raising questions about discipline and campus safety.
No Full ‘Lockdown’
In a separate matter, Fahmi dismissed rumours of a full lockdown in Kuala Lumpur during the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled from 26 to 28 October.
“This is not a lockdown. There may be temporary road closures, for example, when heads of state travel from Subang Airport to Kuala Lumpur, the routes may be closed temporarily.
“Most closures will be staggered and reopened as soon as the events conclude,” he said during the government’s weekly post-Cabinet briefing. - October 17, 2025
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