The government is currently reviewing the possibility of banning popular online gaming apps Roblox and UMI, following concerns about safety and content that may negatively influence young people.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the matter is still under discussion, and any final decision will take into account the steps being considered by Australia, which plans to implement new regulations on Roblox this December.
“We’re still waiting to see how Australia enforces the regulation. They’re planning it, but it hasn’t been implemented yet.”
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri
“Malaysia will assess whether that approach suits our local context and culture,” she told reporters after attending a training and simulation programme for Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) on Saturday.
She was commenting on a recent incident involving a six-year-old boy who was seriously injured after being slashed with a sharp object by his nine-year-old brother in Kampung Parit Nipah, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat last Monday.
Johor Police Chief, Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, said in a press conference three days ago that the motive is still under investigation. However, initial findings suggest the older brother may have attacked his sibling after becoming upset when his Roblox game was interrupted, causing him to lose all the points he had collected.
Meanwhile, the Australian government is considering restrictions on Roblox usage for users aged 16 and below, due to concerns that the platform may have a negative influence and has been linked to several incidents that have drawn international attention.
According to Nancy, Malaysia will monitor Australia’s policy implementation before making any official decisions regarding the app.
“It’s true that technological developments like these can influence real-life cases. That’s why we need to be cautious and learn from other countries before making decisions.”
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