KUALA LUMPUR: Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to open their own social media accounts, although accounts managed by parents on behalf of their children are permitted, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the measure aims to protect minors from online safety risks, including cyber predators who may attempt to contact children through various social media platforms.
"The key issue is who controls the account. We do not want children controlling the accounts themselves.
"If the account is opened by parents, at least they will know if unknown individuals try to contact their children," he told a press conference after the "Sejahtera MADANI Welfare Programme: Sumbangan Ihsan Kasih Ramadan 2026" here Wednesday (March 4).
Fahmi said the government is currently implementing a regulatory sandbox with social media platforms to introduce a minimum age limit of 16 for new account registrations.
He said Malaysia's approach differs from the Age Assurance model used in Australia, with the country instead leveraging specific legislation relating to the MyKad as an additional security element for identity and age verification.
"Children can still watch content such as on YouTube, but they cannot open their own accounts as personal accounts allow unknown individuals to contact them," he said.
Fahmi also urged parents to be more attentive to their children's digital activities and not allow them to use devices for extended periods without supervision.
"Devices are not babysitters. Parents also have responsibilities," he said.
Meanwhile, the programme, held in strategic collaboration with the Federal Territories State Development Office (ICU JPM) and Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, also saw RM500 in aid presented to 150 asnaf recipients registered under the eKasih system in the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency.
Fahmi said the initiative is in line with the Madani government's aspiration, which emphasises a balance between economic growth and public well-being to ensure that no group is left behind in the nation's development. - Bernama
