The Malaysian government is moving towards a safer and more responsible digital environment. By the second quarter of 2026, all social media platforms operating in Malaysia are expected to implement a digital identity verification system, also known as electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC). This initiative aims to enforce the minimum age requirement of 16 for social media account creation.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil explained that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been tasked with engaging social media companies and providing them a reasonable period to implement this verification mechanism.
“This reasonable timeframe considers what has already been successfully adopted in other countries, including Australia. Platforms that can adopt similar or near-similar systems will likely find it easier and faster to comply,” Fahmi told reporters at the Community Day event at the Simpang Tiga Langkon National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) today.
The planned mechanism will include the ability to temporarily freeze accounts belonging to children under 16 and restore access when they reach the required age. To verify identities, platforms will use official documents such as passports, MyKad, and the MyDigital ID.
Fahmi emphasized that the move is not just about protecting minors but also curbing online scams and illegal gambling. “Many scammers and operators of illegal gambling activities exploit fake accounts. eKYC will help us verify real identities and make social media a safer space for everyone,” he said.
Additionally, the government plans to expand the Nadi network with another centre in Sabah. The locations are being carefully assessed for accessibility, population coverage, and geography. Currently, Sabah hosts 131 Nadi centres, ranking second nationwide after Sarawak.
By introducing verified digital identities, Malaysia is stepping into a future where online safety, accountability, and trust go hand in hand—making the internet safer for children and all users alike.
