Online gaming: Implement stringent measures, regulate them now
Bandar Kuching MP, Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen has called for more stringent measures to be undertaken to regulate online gaming in the wake of a case that under-aged child harming his sibling in Batu Pahat Johor.
Yii who is also political secretary to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim pointed out the need for a ban or limitation for under-aged online gaming users.
“There must be a strict ban or limitation on games that contain graphic violence, gambling-like rewards, or un-moderated chatrooms for users under 18. We cannot normalise aggression or desensitise children to violence under the guise of “virtual experience.”
“Many of these chatrooms also act as unmonitored spaces where predators and scammers operate. Regulation must therefore extend to in-game environments, not just the surface content of the games.”
He also called for a dedicated law to regulate online gaming platforms. At present there is one, for social media.
“The existing legal framework was built for a different era that never anticipated how gaming platforms could become spaces for violent content, gambling, and even grooming. The law must therefore apply content-neutral and platform-neutral rules that focus on the level of harm, not the size of the platform.
“By doing this, platforms such as Roblox, Discord, and other interactive games will fall within the scope of regulation and be subject to proper safeguards, ensuring that none escape responsibility due to technical loopholes.”
He suggested Malaysia to emulate South Korea in imposing access to online games.
“The introduction of gaming curfews, similar to South Korea’s “Shutdown Law,” is necessary to address excessive gaming among minors. Restricting access to online games after midnight will help curb gaming addiction, improve sleep habits, and encourage healthier daily routines.
“Malaysia can adapt this model in a balanced way by combining parental controls, age-based limits, and time-based restrictions without completely taking away access to safe and educational games.
In addition to that Yii also called for gaming companies to release transparency report on how they manage data of Malaysian children.
“The gaming companies must be required to release transparency reports explaining how they store, process, and use Malaysian children’s data. These reports will enhance accountability and allow both the Government and the public to track whether platforms are complying with privacy standards.
“All such systems should integrate with MyDigital ID tokens, ensuring that sensitive data stays within the jurisdiction and protection of national privacy laws, instead of being stored on offshore servers beyond Malaysia’s control.”
He also called for Online Criminal Harms Act-style regulations to regulate in – game advertising and purchases.
“There must be regulated in-game advertising and purchases. This can be done by extending Online Criminal Harms Act-style regulations to gaming platforms. By doing so, it will prevent scams, false promotions, and gambling-like mechanics targeting minors.
“The government must require all advertisers and in-game purchase providers to be verified with SSM registration or a valid Malaysian ID, ensuring that only legitimate entities can operate. Unverified or offshore advertisers should be blocked from targeting Malaysian users, cutting off a major channel for exploitation and fraud.”
Yii also proposed using MyDigital ID for child-user registration.
“The government should adopt the use of MyDigital ID or JPN-verified tokens for child-user registration. This system will ensure that every gaming account created by minors is properly verified while maintaining the privacy and security of personal data.
“The verification process should not expose children’s IC numbers or biometric details to private corporations. Instead, authentication should take place through government-issued digital credentials — giving parents confidence that their children’s identities and data are protected.”