THE Communications Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is reviewing the fastest and most effective mechanism to regulate online video games following growing concerns over user safety, particularly among children.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry had held discussions with MCMC on the matter, but no official decision has been made as it remains under review.
“God willing, the Online Safety Act (OnSA) will come into force early next year. This Act will ensure that social media platforms and online service providers create a safe ecosystem, especially for children and families,” Bernam cited him saying after launching the Pahang-level Internet Safety Campaign (KIS) at Sekolah Kebangsaan Raub Indah on Thursday.
Also, present were Pahang State Executive Councillor for Communications, Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations, Fadzli Mohamad Kamal, and the ministry’s Deputy Secretary-General, Mano Verabathran.
Fahmi said the ministry is also assessing the need to license at least 10 types of online games, including Roblox, which have been deemed unsuitable for children under 16.
“We are examining the best regulatory framework. Give us some time before we make an official announcement, but what is certain is that we cannot remain idle or indifferent,” he said.
He revealed that the ministry had met representatives of the online game Roblox following an incident in Batu Pahat where a six-year-old boy was seriously injured after being slashed and stabbed by his nine-year-old brother, allegedly influenced by the game.
“I met with Roblox representatives, and they were visibly anxious because, on the day of our meeting, news reports linked the incident involving the nine-year-old boy to the influence of Roblox.
“I have personally banned my child from playing Roblox and deleted the app from all devices at home. However, the government has yet to make an official decision. I urge parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities,” he said.
Fahmi added that MCMC would soon summon the operators of the OMI application to provide an explanation following a reported case involving a 12-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by an adult man she met through the app.
“This application needs to be brought under regulation because we do not want such incidents to recur. MCMC is reviewing the matter, and we understand that OMI is not yet subject to regulatory control,” he said.
He noted that one of the key challenges is not only preventing minors under 16 from opening social media accounts but also ensuring that age verification and identity authentication systems are implemented effectively.
“Each platform, such as Facebook and TikTok, has its own mechanisms, but they are still not convincing enough,” he added. - October 30, 2025
