Communications Ministry mulls licensing for online games affecting children, with MCMC monitoring 10 unsuitable games for under-16 users
PETALING JAYA: The government is considering introducing a licensing system for online games, such as Roblox, if their content is found to negatively affect children, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is assessing the need for such a system while monitoring several other online games deemed unsuitable for users under the age of 16.
“We have not decided to license Roblox yet, but we are monitoring whether there is a need to do so.
“It is not just Roblox.
There are about 10 other games that may not be appropriate for children aged under 16.”
He also said the ministry is reviewing the best regulatory framework to safeguard online safety for children.
“Please give us a little more time before we make an announcement.
But we cannot remain silent or passive.
The mechanism is being studied.”
He added that the ministry has met representatives of Roblox following an incident in Kampung Parit Nipah Laut, Batu Pahat, in which a six-year-old boy was severely injured after being attacked by his nine-year-old brother who was allegedly influenced by online gaming.
“I met Roblox representatives and they were quite anxious because, on the same day, reports emerged of a nine-year-old who injured his younger brother and the case was linked to Roblox.
“I have banned my children from playing Roblox and deleted the app from all devices at home.
However, the government has yet to make an official decision on the matter.
I urge parents to monitor their children’s online activities closely.”
Fahmi was speaking when officiating at the state-level Safe Internet Campaign at Sekolah Kebangsaan Raub Indah yesterday.
He announced that the campaign would be expanded to 10,000 schools nationwide by the third quarter of next year, up from 6,000 this year.
“In Pahang, we have reached nearly 400 schools, but we are still short of the target.
My hope is that by next year, all schools nationwide would be included,” he told reporters after the launch.
Also present were Pahang Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and NGO Committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal and Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general Mano Verabathran.
Fahmi added that the ministry would soon appoint Cadet Captain Icons to deliver short weekly updates on online safety during school assemblies.
The briefings would include information on current scams and government digital policies, such as the recent proposal to restrict social media access for individuals aged under 16.
He added that MCMC would implement the Point of Presence broadband connectivity project at 170 schools in Pahang, with work expected to begin in January after the tender process concludes.
“Previously, 17 schools were completed under the first phase,” he said, adding that MCMC is also rolling out WiFi installation programmes at selected schools to enhance internet access for teachers and students.
He said discussions are underway with the education minister for the installation of CCTV cameras in schools, prioritising boarding schools in Pahang.
