The Malaysian government is stepping up efforts to make social media a safer space, announcing that all platforms will need to implement a digital identity verification system by mid-2026. This initiative, known as electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC), aims to enforce the minimum age of 16 for account creation, while also addressing scams and online gambling.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil revealed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been instructed to engage with social media companies, providing them a reasonable timeframe to adopt these measures.
“This reasonable timeframe takes inspiration from what has worked successfully in other countries, including Australia. If platforms can adopt similar mechanisms, it may help speed up implementation,” Fahmi said during a media briefing after attending the Community Day at the Simpang Tiga Langkon National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi).
The verification mechanism will allow platforms to freeze accounts belonging to children under 16 and restore access once they reach the required age. Users will need to verify their identities using documents such as passports, MyKad, and MyDigital ID.
“This step is not only about keeping children safe online. It is also essential in combating scams and illegal online gambling, which often operate through fake accounts. eKYC will help verify identities and reduce such risks,” he added.
In addition to social media regulations, the government plans to expand Nadi centres to Sabah, with potential locations being evaluated based on geography, accessibility, and population. Sabah currently hosts 131 Nadi centres, second only to Sarawak.
This move signals Malaysia’s commitment to balancing digital freedom with safety, ensuring young users are protected while also cracking down on online fraud. For Malaysians, it means social media will soon require a stronger layer of accountability, making the online world safer and more secure for everyone.
