The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) today issued a call to the gaming industry to take an active role in shaping a safer digital environment for children and young users.
Recent discussions in Parliament and media coverage on the regulation of popular games such as Roblox and PUBG have intensified public concern over children’s safety in online gaming spaces. Parents and educators have voiced growing anxiety about the lack of age safeguards and exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
According to a World Health Organisation report, 34% of adolescents play digital games daily, with 22% playing for at least four hours on gaming days. While 68% were classified as non-problematic gamers, 12% were at risk of problematic gaming, characterised by impaired control over gaming, prioritising it over other daily activities and interests, and persisting in play despite negative consequences. These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger industry standards that prioritise child protection without stifling creativity or innovation.
“Games have the power to inspire creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving among young people. Yet without the right guardrails, they can also expose them to risks that undermine those very benefits,” said Nicholas Sagau, President of the Malaysia Digital Association (MDA) and Content Forum Council member.
“The gaming industry has a responsibility to lead this change; not merely in response to regulation, but out of a genuine commitment to thoughtful and responsible design. Equally important, parents must be empowered with the knowledge and tools to guide their children safely through an increasingly digital world,” Nicholas added.
Building a Safer Gaming Ecosystem Through Responsible Industry Standards
The Content Forum invites local and international gaming companies to be part of its self-regulatory framework, working together to shape industry-led standards that uphold both innovation and responsibility.
The initiative will encourage collaboration on best practices that strengthen parental guidance tools, age assurance, moderation systems, and ethical design principles. The Content Forum believes the industry is capable and willing to self-regulate effectively, and trusts that this is the right moment for the sector to demonstrate leadership.
“Our hope is that collective industry action will demonstrate how self-regulation can effectively support national efforts to keep online spaces safe for children. Self-regulation works best when it’s owned by the industry it governs. This is an opportunity for gaming companies to show that they take the well-being of young players seriously, and that they can be trusted to act with responsibility and foresight,” said Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Content Forum.
Why Responsible Gaming Design Matters
Digital gaming has evolved from a pastime into a social ecosystem where children learn, explore, and build communities. Yet, without age-appropriate design and responsible oversight, it can also expose them to harmful content, aggressive monetisation, and unsafe interactions.
Recent public debates have highlighted the need for a structured yet flexible approach – one that allows Malaysia’s gaming landscape to grow while protecting its most vulnerable users.
The Content Forum believes that collaboration, not just control, is the key to achieving this balance. Its self-regulatory model provides a neutral platform where industry, experts, and civil society can come together to develop standards that reflect both innovation and integrity.
The industry forum also emphasised that online safety is a shared responsibility between platforms, developers, parents, educators, and policymakers; and that constructive collaboration is the way forward.
An Open Invitation
The Content Forum will be initiating a series of stakeholder consultations to gather input from game developers, educators, parents, and child protection advocates. The sessions aim to identify practical solutions for safer game design, age-appropriate interactions, and user empowerment tools.
Gaming companies and related stakeholders are encouraged to connect with the Content Forum to learn more about the self-regulatory framework and explore how they can contribute to shaping a safer, more responsible digital gaming environment.
For further information or to register interest, contact them at secretariat@contentforum.my.
