Ministry mulling stricter social media rules for minors
The minister said most platforms already do not allow children below 13 to have an account.
'Unfortunately, if you visit schools and ask pupils under 13 whether they have TikTok accounts, many will say yes. That alone is a breach, acknowledged even by TikTok,' he told the Dewan Rakyat.
He said the ministry is exploring ways to improve enforcement of the age restriction, noting that protecting children online is a shared responsibility between the government, online platforms and parents.
Between Jan 1, 2022, and July 15, 2025, service providers removed 1,443 pieces of harmful or extreme content involving children following requests from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
To better prepare youth for today's digital world, Fahmi said the ministry is introducing digital literacy modules for teens aged 13 and above.
'These modules aim to help our teenagers navigate the information landscape and remain vigilant. Not everything on social media is true.'
Separately, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the ministry is reviewing five laws to close legal gaps and strengthen enforcement against child pornography.
The laws are the Film Censorship Act 2002, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Evidence Act 1950 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The proposed amendments will address digital evidence admissibility, jurisdiction in international cases and enhanced online monitoring.
Between 2021 and June 2025, Shamsul Anuar said the police investigated 287 cases involving the production, ownership, distribution, access, downloading and uploading of child pornography.
These were investigated under Sections 4 to 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
'About 90% of offenders were charged and convicted. This is a serious matter as it involves children,' he said in response to questions on the issue.
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