Malaysia plans to compel social media companies to verify the identities of their users through electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems, ensuring that children under the age of 13 cannot open accounts.
Mandatory eKYC To Protect Children Online
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the requirement aims to protect minors and improve compliance with existing community standards on digital platforms.
“When I met representatives from social media platforms last month, I made it clear that Malaysia will make identity verification mandatory, especially to prevent children below 13 from having accounts,” Fahmi told reporters after launching the Nadi on Wheels programme in Sindumin, Sabah.
He said he will present the implementation timeline to the Cabinet before making an official announcement.
Discussions With Platforms To Begin Next Week
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will meet with social media companies next week to outline immediate steps for introducing eKYC requirements.
According to Fahmi, the verification system is not limited to child protection — it will also help curb online crimes such as scams, gambling promotions, and fraudulent advertisements.
“Many platforms have been misused by criminals for scams. As I mentioned in Parliament yesterday (14 October), 78 per cent of all scam-related content taken down came from Facebook,” he said.
Expanding Digital Access Through Nadi on Wheels
Fahmi’s remarks were made during the launch of Nadi on Wheels, a travelling initiative under the Communications Ministry and MCMC designed to improve digital literacy and access in rural areas.
There are currently 1,099 Nadi centres across Malaysia, including 131 in Sabah. The programme in Sipitang offers Starlink internet speeds of up to 250 Mbps and provides tablets for digital and entrepreneurship training.
Focus On Network Resilience and the Salam Project
The minister also highlighted the ongoing Madani Submarine Cable Connectivity (Salam) project — a RM2 billion initiative linking Peninsular Malaysia with Sarawak and Sabah. The cable network will stretch from Tanjung Aru to Tawau, strengthening coastal connections in East Malaysia.
He said the project is expected to be completed within two to three years and will serve as a priority for the ministry to reduce reliance on ageing submarine systems.
At the same time, MCMC will focus on improving network resilience by reinforcing telecom towers in flood-prone areas through site hardening and hybrid power systems.
