Hands up: Fahmi (second from right) and Saarani (centre) posing with other attendees during the Perak Economic Outlook 2025 event in Ipoh. — Bernama
Fahmi: Govt to ensure platforms enforce own age restrictions from Jan 1
IPOH: Social media platforms will be monitored to ensure they enforce age restriction regulations starting Jan 1 next year, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said that currently, most platforms set the age limit at 13 years old, but the government aims to monitor how effectively these restrictions are enforced.
As for the need for social media platforms with over eight million users to register and obtain licences from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the minister said many are nearing the final stages of the registration process.
“If their efforts are inadequate or unsatisfactory, we will consider additional measures,” Fahmi said after the Perak Economic Outlook 2025 event yesterday, where Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad was also present.Fahmi said the government’s aim is not to limit freedom of expression but to curb the misuse of these platforms by criminals.
When asked if there are plans to ban social media use for children under 16 as had been approved in Australia, Fahmi said the government does not intend to implement such a restriction in order to “maintain policy stability”.
“We have discussed this matter with social media companies because these platforms are massive entities generating billions of ringgit in revenue.
“We are committed to ensuring no changes to the discussions we’ve had from the start until now. We want to provide policy stability and visibility for top-level management in these companies,” he said.
Fahmi also addressed concerns from TikTok users regarding missing funds from e-commerce accounts on the platform.
TikTok users claimed that funds in their TikTok Shop accounts had disappeared or been reduced without any transactions.
Describing the complaints as a troubling trend, Fahmi said the authorities are committed to investigating the issue before taking further action.
“We understand that many Malaysians, including those running micro, small and medium enterprises, rely on platforms like TikTok for business.
“If this trend is as concerning as reported, I have asked MCMC to engage with TikTok to fully understand the issue before making any announcements,” he added.
In a separate initiative, Fahmi highlighted a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between MCMC and Digital Perak Corporation Holdings (DPCH) aimed at implementing a smart city programme in Ipoh.
The collaboration will focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, empowering digital education as well as providing smart and green community facilities.
“Under the MOU, Internet coverage in Perak will be improved to support the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, especially in developing communication infrastructure at key locations,” he said.
MCMC will also provide technical advisory services to DPCH on matters related to digital infrastructure, networks, coverage, cybersecurity and online fraud prevention.
Additionally, the MOU explores collaborations in e-commerce and ICT training programmes at the Perak National Information Dissemination Centre, targeting local community participation in the region.
Also present at yesterday’s event were MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and senior adviser Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
