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The Malaysian government is developing new regulations to restrict children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms and to ensure that online content is age-appropriate for users under 18
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil told the Dewan Rakyat that these measures are being drafted via 10 subsidiary instruments under the Online Safety Act 2025, according to the New Straits Times.
Under the new rules, service providers will be required to offer specific settings and parental controls that align with their community guidelines.
To ensure transparency, they must also submit an online safety plan detailing how they intend to comply with the Act's obligations.
Fahmi emphasised that these regulations are part of a broader effort to create a safer Internet ecosystem for vulnerable groups, particularly children and families.
The minister was responding to a query from Pang Hok Liong (PH-Labis) regarding potential bans on social media use for children under 16
Fahmi highlighted that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is actively drafting these legislations to enforce greater accountability among licenced providers.
He noted that between 1 January 2022 and 15 October 2025, MCMC submitted 1,521 requests to remove harmful content involving children, with 96% (1,456 items) successfully taken down by platforms.
To further control online harms, the ministry is enforcing licensing requirements for Internet messaging and social media providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
Providers will need to meet criteria for a Class A licence, ensuring they are accountable for content regulation and algorithm management.
MCMC has also issued a code of conduct outlining best practices, which mandates age verification measures, effective parental controls, and enhanced safety functions for young users.
