The Malaysian Cabinet has approved plans to raise the minimum age for social media registration from 13 to 16 years, part of a broader initiative to protect children online and enhance safety in schools.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil explained that under the new rules, users will need to register using official documents such as MyKad, passports, or the government’s digital identity platform, MyDigital ID. “Previously, the age limit was 13, but the Cabinet has agreed to raise it to 16,” he said, adding that the process will comply with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA) to safeguard users’ privacy. Fahmi also said that all commercial entities, including social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and e-wallet providers, must adhere to the PDPA.
The minister will meet social media companies in Singapore next week to discuss the implementation of the proposed changes.
The Cabinet has also decided to establish a special committee to review school discipline, safety, and moral education, following recent student-related incidents, including cases of sexual misconduct and fatal violence. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized immediate measures to improve school security, with support from the police and Home Ministry. He also highlighted plans to potentially restrict smartphone use for students aged 16 and below due to concerns over negative behavioural influences from social media and online gaming.
Anwar further stressed the importance of educational reforms that instil strong moral and ethical values, particularly within the national MADANI framework. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek is expected to present detailed proposals soon, with full cooperation from principals, teachers, and parents called for once new policies are announced.
The government’s moves follow a series of troubling incidents in Malaysian schools, including sexual misconduct in Melaka and the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl by a male student in Selangor, raising serious concerns about campus discipline and safety.
Separately, Fahmi dismissed rumours of a full lockdown in Kuala Lumpur during the 47th ASEAN Summit from October 26 to 28, clarifying that only temporary, staggered road closures are expected for visiting heads of state.
