Comprehensive Assessment Framework

The review will cover technological infrastructure readiness, international regulatory best practices, and the suitability of different regulatory models for mitigating online gaming risks to minors. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is assessing age and identity verification methods for social media users, recognising that child protection cuts across multiple digital platforms and service categories.

Enforcement Under Existing Law

Although online gaming content is not currently a licensed service category under Malaysian law, enforcement agencies still have statutory tools to act against violations. Deputy Minister Teo noted that enforcement is possible when platforms breach existing laws — including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 — or when authorities or the public lodge complaints about harmful content.

Enforcement responses may include content removal, investigations, and applications to block associated websites. However, the deputy minister stressed that parental oversight remains irreplaceable in protecting children from violence, criminal elements, gambling, and virtual rewards that may encourage aggressive behaviour.

Parental Responsibility and Device Use

Teo emphasised that no digital device can or should replace active parental supervision. She urged parents to take primary responsibility for monitoring their children’s online activities and setting appropriate usage limits. Her remarks reflect the government’s recognition that regulatory mechanisms alone cannot fully protect minors without complementary family-level safeguarding.

Implementing the Online Safety Act

The Online Safety Act 2025 introduces a new duty requiring licensed application and network service providers to take proactive steps to protect users from harmful content. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is finalising subsidiary regulations and codes, with a particular focus on enhancing minor-protection mechanisms and establishing clearer age-based content classification standards.

Addressing Online Predatory Behaviour

Responding to questions on monitoring predatory conduct, Teo acknowledged that law enforcement agencies have the capacity to investigate and prosecute paedophilic activity detected on online gaming platforms. Such cases proceed under existing criminal statutes, supported by content removal requests and website-blocking applications when necessary.

A Holistic Child-Protection Approach

Malaysia’s multi-pronged strategy reflects its recognition that protecting children online requires coordination among regulators, platform operators, and families, alongside statutory enforcement. By combining technological readiness assessments, international benchmarking, and a review of regulatory models, the government aims to implement proportionate and effective safeguards for minors in increasingly complex digital environments.

Building Digital Regulatory Capacity

The ongoing review underscores the government’s understanding that online gaming and related digital services pose evolving child-safety challenges requiring adaptive regulation and stakeholder coordination. Malaysia acknowledges that agile, proportionate, and feasible regulatory frameworks are essential to addressing emerging digital threats effectively.