Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has cautioned parents against relying on digital devices as “electronic babysitters”, warning that the growing dependence on screens is exposing children to serious online dangers amid a steady rise in harmful internet content in Malaysia.
He urged parents to reassess how technology is being used in daily life, questioning whether smartphones, tablets and televisions have begun to replace direct parental involvement in raising and educating children.
“We are living in a technological age where smart devices are no longer a novelty, but part of everyday life. While they offer many advantages, we must ask ourselves whether we are using them responsibly or allowing screens to take on the role of a second caregiver,” he said at the launch of the Safe Internet Campaign 2026.
Fahmi noted that it has become increasingly common to see children being calmed or distracted with mobile phones or tablets, both at home and in public, a practice he warned could leave them vulnerable to online harm if not properly monitored.
Highlighting enforcement data, he said a total of 851,228 harmful online content items were taken down by service providers between 2022 and 2025 following continuous monitoring and reporting by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“This includes grossly offensive content involving children. The figures clearly show that online threats are real and persistent, and parents remain the most critical first line of defence,” he said.
On enforcement efforts, Fahmi pointed to close cooperation between the police and MCMC through Op Pedo 1.0 and Op Pedo 2.0, which resulted in decisive action against individuals involved in possessing and distributing child sexual exploitation material online.
He also highlighted the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2025 (Onsa), which came into force on Jan 1 and places greater responsibility on social media platforms to address online harm. Child protection measures under the law, including a minimum age of 16 for social media account registration, are currently being tested in a regulatory sandbox before full rollout.
However, Fahmi stressed that protecting children online cannot rest on legislation alone.
“Parents and guardians play a crucial role as the first line of protection in safeguarding children from digital threats,” he said.
With the festive season approaching, he also warned of a rise in scam activity, noting that periods such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya are often exploited by fraudsters.
“During this time, people are withdrawing money and making more transactions. Scammers see this as a prime opportunity to strike,” he said.
Fahmi urged the public to be cautious of SMS messages containing hyperlinks, reminding users that MCMC has directed all telecommunications providers since last year to ensure that SMS messages do not include links.
“The success of the Safe Internet Campaign 2026 depends on cooperation between the government, educational institutions, parents, industry players and society at large. We must work together to create a safer digital environment for everyone,” he said.
