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Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil revealed that he has banned his children from playing the online video game, Roblox
The game, popular with children, allows users to create and play games created by other users.
It is currently facing public scrutiny after a 9-year-old boy allegedly became obsessed with Roblox before slashing his younger brother's neck in Parit Raja on 27 October.
The boy reportedly lost nearly one million points in the game after his younger brother accidentally damaged his phone. Police said the boy claimed to experience hallucinations instructing him to harm his family members.
The 6-year-old victim is currently receiving treatment at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Their parents have been remanded for two days to assist in investigations.
Fahmi revealed that he has met with Roblox's representatives amid concerns over user, specifically children's, safety
"I met with Roblox representatives, and they were quite anxious because, on the same day, reports emerged of a 9-year-old who injured his younger brother, and the case was linked to Roblox," Fahmi said, according to Bernama.
"I have personally banned my children from playing Roblox and deleted the app from all devices at home. However, the government has yet to make an official decision on the matter. I urge parents to monitor their children's online activities closely," he said.
The Communications Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is also planning to regulate 10 online games
The regulation is likely to fall under the purview of the Online Safety Act (OnSA), which will take effect early next year.
"We are studying the most appropriate and effective regulatory framework. Give us some time before an official announcement is made, but what's certain is that we cannot afford to remain idle," Fahmi added.
Fahmi admitted that the government is facing difficulties in restricting social media use for those below 16
"Our challenge is not only to restrict social media access for those under 16 but also to ensure proper age verification and identity confirmation.
"Each platform, such as Facebook and TikTok, has its own mechanisms, but they are still not convincing enough," he explained.
Previously, it was reported that the government is studying plans to raise the minimum social media age from 13 to 16 to curb social issues in schools.
The move aims to protect young users from explicit content, grooming, scams, and cyberbullying.
