Malaysia’s MCMC is reviewing mechanisms to regulate online games like Roblox and OMI app amid child safety concerns, says minister
RAUB: The Communications Ministry is reviewing the best and fastest mechanism to regulate online video games through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed discussions with MCMC have occurred but no official decision has been made yet as the matter remains under evaluation.
He announced the Online Safety Act will take effect early next year to ensure social media platforms and online service providers create safe ecosystems.
Fahmi spoke to reporters after officiating the Pahang-level Safe Internet Campaign at Sekolah Kebangsaan Raub Indah.
The ministry is assessing the need to license at least 10 types of online games including Roblox which is deemed unsuitable for children under 16.
“We are studying the most appropriate and effective regulatory framework,” Fahmi said while requesting time before an official announcement.
He revealed meeting Roblox representatives following an incident where a nine-year-old boy severely injured his six-year-old brother allegedly influenced by online gaming.
Fahmi personally banned his children from playing Roblox and deleted the app from all home devices while urging parents to monitor children’s online activities.
MCMC will also summon the developer of the OMI app following a case involving a 12-year-old girl allegedly mistreated by a man she met through the platform.
“This app must come under regulatory oversight because we cannot allow such incidents to recur,” Fahmi emphasised.
He acknowledged the challenge extends beyond restricting social media access for those under 16 to ensuring proper age verification mechanisms.
Fahmi noted platforms like Facebook and TikTok have their own mechanisms but they remain insufficiently convincing for safety purposes. – Bernama
