KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP and Special Officer to the Minister of Human Resources, Kelvin Yii, has called for stronger national action to protect Malaysia’s younger generation from the growing dangers of unregulated online gaming.
He said the recent tragedy in Batu Pahat linked to online gaming should serve as a wake-up call for the Government and society to act swiftly before more harm is done.
“What began as simple entertainment has now become an ecosystem capable of shaping behaviour, emotions, and even values. It is our collective duty to ensure that this virtual world does not endanger the real one our children live in,” he said today.
Yii proposed the introduction of a dedicated law to regulate online gaming platforms such as Roblox and Discord, ensuring that all are held accountable for harmful content, gambling elements, and grooming risks. He said the law should be content- and platform-neutral, focusing on the level of harm rather than the size of the platform.
He also suggested that the Government adopt MyDigital ID or JPN-verified tokens for child-user verification to protect minors’ privacy and prevent misuse of personal data.
In addition, Yii urged for strict restrictions or bans on games containing graphic violence, gambling-like rewards, or unmoderated chatrooms for users under 18, stressing that children must not be desensitised to violence or exposed to predators and scammers online.
To address gaming addiction, he recommended implementing gaming curfews similar to South Korea’s “Shutdown Law,” limiting minors’ access after midnight while maintaining parental controls and balanced restrictions.
Yii also proposed that gaming companies be required to release transparency reports on how they store and use Malaysian children’s data, ensuring that such data remains under Malaysian jurisdiction.
He further called for tighter regulation of in-game advertisements and purchases to prevent scams and gambling-like mechanics targeting minors, with only verified Malaysian entities allowed to operate.
“Parents must also be part of the solution. No amount of regulation can replace parental engagement. Families, schools, and the Government must work together to ensure effective protection,” he said.
Yii emphasised that protecting children from online harm should be treated as a national priority.
“The choices we make today will determine whether this tragedy becomes a turning point for us to build a safer, more digitally responsible Malaysia,” he added.
By Connie Chieng