BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been directed to summon TikTok to provide an explanation about the latest trend, "Player Knockout Battle" or "PK Battle," which is causing growing concern among parents.
The trend of young children participating in such online challenges is worrying and has prompted the government to consider banning social media for those under 13.
"They are too young to understand the impact of such trends," a representative stated.
PK Battle is a live-streaming feature on TikTok where two users compete in real time to receive virtual gifts from viewers, which are then converted into cash rewards.
Critics argue that the trend has become a form of digital gambling, with increasing concerns over children misusing money, sometimes even their parents' money, to buy these gifts in a bid to gain popularity.
Fahmi noted that there was a media report highlighting parental concerns about the money their children are spending just to purchase gifts for these PK Battles.
"This has become a serious issue reported by the media, and we are treating it with utmost concern. Since TikTok is a licensed platform, they are required to come forward, explain the situation, and outline the steps they will take to address the matter," he said.
He also emphasised that this is one of the reasons why the government, particularly the Ministry of Communications, strongly advocates that children under 13 should not have TikTok, Instagram, or other social media accounts.
He stressed that it is very easy for children to get caught up in trends like PK Battle without truly understanding the consequences.
"We are expecting a prompt explanation from TikTok, and a directive has been issued this morning. I anticipate that they will meet us sometime this week," he added.
