KUALA LUMPUR – Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has called for the introduction of a dedicated Act to regulate online gaming platforms, citing growing concerns over the dangers posed to younger users.
Dr Yii argued that the legislation should enforce content-neutral and platform-neutral rules, targeting the level of harm rather than the size of the platform, Borneo Post reported.
This approach would bring platforms like Roblox, Discord, and other interactive games under regulatory oversight, ensuring proper safeguards are in place.
“This ensures that no one can escape responsibility due to technical loopholes,” he said in a statement today, underscoring the need for comprehensive regulation.
The political secretary to the Human Resources Minister also suggested that the government adopt the use of MyDigital ID or National Registration Department (JPN)-verified tokens for registering child users.
According to him, this system would properly verify gaming accounts created by minors while maintaining the privacy and security of personal data.
“The verification process should not expose children’s IC numbers or biometric details to private corporations. Instead, authentication should take place through government-issued digital credentials — giving parents confidence that their children’s identities and data are protected,” Dr Yii explained.
Dr Yii further proposed a strict ban or limitation on games containing graphic violence, gambling-like rewards, or unmoderated chatrooms for users under 18. He expressed concern that many such chatrooms operate as unmonitored spaces, exploited by predators and scammers.
“Regulation must therefore extend to in-game environments, not just the surface content of the games. We cannot normalise aggression or desensitise children to violence under the guise of virtual experience,” he added.
Additionally, Dr Yii suggested Malaysia follow South Korea’s lead by introducing gaming curfews to curb excessive gaming among minors without completely removing access to safe, educational games. He believes that restricting gaming after midnight would not only help combat gaming addiction but also promote healthier daily routines and better sleep habits.
He also called on gaming companies to release transparency reports detailing how they store, process, and use Malaysian children’s data, enhancing accountability and ensuring compliance with privacy standards.
“All such systems should integrate with MyDigital ID tokens, ensuring that sensitive data stays within the jurisdiction and protection of national privacy laws, instead of being stored on offshore servers beyond Malaysia’s control,” Dr Yii stressed.
Furthermore, Dr Yii urged the government to extend regulations similar to the Online Criminal Harms Act to gaming platforms, focusing on scams, false promotions, and gambling-like mechanics targeting minors.
He proposed that all advertisers and in-game purchase providers be required to verify their registration with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) or a valid Malaysian ID to prevent exploitation.
Unverified or offshore advertisers should be blocked from targeting Malaysian users, he said, cutting off a major channel for fraud.
Dr Yii also called for national digital awareness programmes aimed at educating parents about gaming addiction, predatory behaviour, and the use of content moderation tools.
He stressed the importance of parents understanding what their children are playing, who they are interacting with, and how to set healthy boundaries.
“When families, schools, and the government work together, the results will be far more effective than punitive measures alone. That is why this has to be a national priority,” he concluded.
Dr Yii's remarks follow a tragic incident in Batu Pahat, Johor, where a six-year-old boy was seriously injured after allegedly being attacked by his nine-year-old sibling in an incident linked to an online game.
He emphasised that the choices made now would determine whether such tragedies could be avoided in the future. - November 3, 2025
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