[WATCH] Roblox, PS5, and online games not included in Malaysia’s under-16 social media restrictions: Teo Nie Ching

KUALA LUMPUR – As Malaysia prepares to enforce social media restrictions for under-16s from June, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has clarified that the measures will not constitute a blanket ban on popular online gaming platforms.

The restrictions, due to take effect as early as June, fall under the ONSA, which was implemented from January 1, 2026, following its gazetting in Parliament in December 2024. The legislation aims to mitigate harmful online content and risks, including scams, harassment and child sexual abuse material.

Speaking on an episode of Scoop Insight, Teo, who is Kulai MP, said the government will begin with licensed social media platforms with more than eight million Malaysian users.

“So that is how we want to start. We don't want to be overly ambitious,” she said, adding that including gaming platforms in the initial phase would not be practical.

Under the current plan, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook must implement age verification measures. Gaming ecosystems that allow social interaction, however, remain outside the scope of the ban.

Acknowledging potential risks on gaming platforms, Teo noted that regulation alone cannot fully address online safety.

“I think that will be the next step for us to consider. If indeed we receive many complaints saying that all these gaming platforms are also unsafe, then of course the government will consider stepping in, perhaps even making them licensees,” she said.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil previously echoed this position, stating the government does not intend to block messaging services on platforms that have not registered for licences.

“Blocking access is a last resort; we do not want to go in that direction. What we want is not just fast internet but a safe internet platform for children and families,” he said in November 2024.

Parental responsibility remains key

With gaming platforms excluded for now, Teo stressed that parents have a crucial role in protecting children online. She highlighted the availability of parental control tools, which she said are straightforward to implement.

“I don't think the whole process will take more than 30 minutes. But eventually, it depends on whether parents think this is important to ensure their child's safety,” she said, noting that parents who value online safety will invest time in setting up these measures.

Teo also stressed the importance of setting boundaries for children using online games to connect with friends.

“You need to let them know, for example, not to share personal information, not to make friends or talk to strangers online,” she said.

She pointed out that many online risks arise not from platforms themselves, but from user behaviour, stressing that ONSA should be seen as a baseline safeguard rather than a complete solution.

“I think laws and regulations are there, but compliance and the readiness of people to follow the law are equally important,” she said, likening it to seatbelt laws that exist but are not always followed consistently.

Protecting children online, she added, requires a whole-of-society approach involving parents, educators and platform providers.

“We cannot subcontract it to the government or to schools or teachers. As responsible parents, this is our duty,” she said.

Teo also highlighted that today’s children are “digital natives,” growing up with unrestricted online access, unlike previous generations exposed to more tightly regulated media such as television and newspapers.

“You need to teach your children and have conversations with them to educate them on the dos and don’ts,” she said.

Possible expansion in the future

While gaming platforms are currently excluded, Teo did not rule out future regulation if risks emerge. The government will review feedback and assess the situation as implementation progresses.

“We will continue to monitor the situation with all these gaming platforms. If we feel there is a need, we can amend our definition of licensees at any time and include gaming platforms,” she said.

For now, the focus remains on enforcing age verification for major social media platforms while urging parents to take an active role in managing their children’s online exposure in spaces that remain unregulated. - May 6, 2026

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