KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been engaging major platforms and stakeholders, including MyDigital ID, since the start of the year to implement age verification measures.
“The intention is for the verification process to utilise MyKad, passports and MyDigital ID to confirm users’ age. I understand MCMC is nearing completion of discussions with the platforms. I will receive further details before we announce the enforcement date to restrict the creation of new accounts,” he told reporters after officiating the ministry-level Jom Baca Bersama 2026 programme themed ‘Reading Builds the Nation’ here today.
Fahmi stressed that new social media accounts will be limited to those aged 16 and above, with under-16s barred from registering.
He noted that feedback from platforms has been positive, with engagement sessions progressing smoothly.
“We are seeing some platforms taking the lead. For example, Bigo Live has, from the outset, implemented identity verification mechanisms. In recent days, I was also contacted by a party representing several international eKYC service providers. I have asked MCMC to engage with them, especially if there are applications used in other countries, such as Australia, for age verification that we could consider,” he added.
Previously, Fahmi said the government aims for all social media platforms to implement eKYC verification by the end of the second quarter of 2026 to enforce the minimum age requirement. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also emphasised that the proposal to impose an age limit on social media use among teenagers must be studied comprehensively with input from all stakeholders.
On the Jom Baca Bersama programme, Fahmi encouraged a stronger reading culture among ministry staff and the wider public, highlighting its role in fostering knowledge and critical thinking.
“Reading culture is vital in shaping minds, not just for acquiring knowledge, but also for cultivating more positive thinking,” he said.
He also launched the Tabung Buku (Book Fund) project, a platform for Communications Ministry staff to donate books for redistribution to communities in need nationwide. – April 30, 2026