PETALING JAYA: The Government’s approach towards online gaming is not to discourage its use, but to ensure children can benefit from it safely and in a manner appropriate for their age, says the Malaysian Comm- unications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
MCMC said digital technology, including gaming, remained a positive part of youth culture and the digital economy.
“The concern is therefore not gaming itself, but whether appropriate safeguards are in place to protect children from age-inappropriate content, unsafe interactions and other potential online harms,” it said.
It said the Online Safety Act 2025, or Act 866, places duties on relevant service providers licensed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to mitigate users’ exposure to harmful content and ensure their services can be used safely by children.
However, MCMC said online gaming was not currently a distinct licensed service category under its regulatory framework.
“Relevant laws and regulatory requirements may still apply to activities within the gaming ecosystem,” it said.
MCMC said it would continue to monitor and assess developments in the gaming sector, including safeguards already available on platforms and international best practices, as part of wider efforts to strengthen online safety for children.
It also expressed concern over the promotion of online gambling on digital platforms, including promotions involving public figures, given their potential reach among younger users.
MCMC said it would work with relevant platforms and enforcement agencies, where appropriate, to address content or activities that may contravene the law.
MCMC said online safety was a shared responsibility and urged parents to remain involved in their children’s online activities.
It advised parents to use available parental controls, check game age ratings and maintain open conversations with their children about their online experiences.
