The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) is crafting a new gaming sub-code under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code, designed to provide practical, risk-based guidance for the online gaming ecosystem. The move aims to set proportionate safeguards, encourage responsible game design, and clarify expectations for industry players, particularly in protecting children and vulnerable users.
On Feb 9, the Content Forum revealed it had held a multi-stakeholder engagement session with both local and international participants to explore how online gaming governance can balance industry growth with user safety and wellbeing. The session brought together global gaming platforms and developers, local industry players, civil society organisations, academics, and child safety and digital wellbeing advocates in joint discussions to reflect real-world intersections of gaming risks and responsibilities.
Content Forum vice-chairman Claudian Navin Stanislaus highlighted the importance of building trust through player protection, especially for children, alongside innovation and growth. “No matter how good the intentions, nothing can work in silos. Conversations like this help bridge industry realities with societal expectations,” he said.
Meanwhile, CEO Mediha Mahmood emphasised that the sub-code is not intended to pit the gaming industry against user wellbeing. “A safe and sustainable gaming ecosystem depends on both. Listening to those who build games as well as those who protect users ensures governance discussions remain grounded in how gaming actually functions,” she explained.
The Content Forum confirmed it will continue consulting industry stakeholders, civil society, experts, and user advocates as the sub-code is developed, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an inclusive, constructive dialogue that supports a safer digital environment while sustaining a vibrant, innovative, and globally connected gaming sector.
