KUALA LUMPUR – The Communications Ministry is currently reviewing key proposals to improve online safety through user identity verification or authentication, said its Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi said such measures are crucial to safeguarding children from online sexual predators, expressing alarm over a recent case involving a social media influencer accused of sending obscene messages to a 14-year-old girl, Bernama reported.
"I am concerned with what happened recently, where an influencer had contacted a 14-year-old with obscene messages and this is something that is happening in our society.
"I am very worried because young children may not know and do not understand the use of social media. They look up to influencers but it seems that some of these influencers are allegedly taking advantage of them… this is something I'm disappointed with,” he told reporters after the ministry's monthly assembly in Putrajaya.
Police are currently conducting further investigations into the case involving the influencer, who is also alleged to have targeted other minors with lewd content.
In light of the incident, Fahmi advised ministry staff to deactivate the social media accounts of their children under the age of 13 and monitor their use of messaging platforms like WhatsApp to prevent potential risks.
He also highlighted the ministry's role in supporting the recently concluded 46th Asean Summit, particularly in ensuring stable internet connectivity and 5G access for the media.
"I have seen firsthand our efforts to ensure that internet access, including 5G, at the International Media Centre is in excellent condition, although some media outlets have said there are wifi problems and that it is not under our control, but after hearing this we will continue to help.
"We assist by asking the relevant parties to increase the number of access points to facilitate the media personnel,” he said.
During the event, Fahmi also unveiled the new name of the ministry's headquarters – now called Menara Komunikasi, replacing its previous designation as Kompleks Kementerian Komunikasi. He said the rebranding represents national aspirations in communication, connectivity and technological advancement.
Present at the gathering were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. - May 27, 2025
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