KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — The proposed use of MyDigital ID is being viewed as a highly effective electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) solution to support Malaysia’s plan to enforce a minimum age of 16 for social media users, expected to roll out in the second half of this year.
Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president Siraj Jalil said a strong and reliable eKYC framework is essential to ensure the policy achieves its goals of protecting children online and reducing the prevalence of fake accounts.
He noted that MyDigital ID, a locally developed system with advanced security features under the supervision of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), is well-positioned to serve this purpose.
According to him, integrating MyDigital ID into licensing requirements for major social media platforms such as Meta and TikTok would significantly enhance identity verification processes.
Siraj added that stricter verification mechanisms would make it harder for underage users to falsify their age, while also enabling authorities to better enforce the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) against anonymous or fraudulent accounts.
Describing the proposed age restriction as a “game changer,” he said the move could greatly improve online safety for children.
He also pointed to Indonesia’s recent decision to restrict access to high-risk digital platforms for users below 16 under its Tunas policy, noting that Malaysia’s approach of conducting detailed studies before implementation places it on the right path.
However, Siraj emphasised that the success of the policy will depend not only on technology but also on strong parental involvement and improved digital literacy programmes, particularly through initiatives led by the Ministry of Education.
He stressed the importance of clear communication with the public, especially students and parents, to prevent confusion or resistance that could undermine the policy’s objectives.
Earlier, on March 7, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Teo Nie Ching confirmed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently evaluating various age verification methods ahead of the policy’s enforcement.
The government aims to have all social media platforms implement eKYC systems by the end of the second quarter of 2026 as part of broader efforts to enforce the minimum age requirement.
— Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris
![KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — Malaysia has entered a new era in labour protection with the enforcement of the Gig Workers Act 2025 [Act 872], marking a major milestone in safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers in the rapidly expanding digital economy. The landmark legislation, which officially comes into force today, reflects the strong commitment of the MADANI Government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to ensure that economic progress goes hand in hand with social justice. Described as a bold and comprehensive move, the Act provides long-awaited legal recognition and protection for gig workers, a sector that has grown significantly in recent years due to technological advancements and shifting employment trends. With an estimated 1.64 million gig workers in Malaysia set to benefit, the law introduces key safeguards including basic workers’ rights, improved transparency in contractual agreements, clearer dispute resolution mechanisms, and stronger social security protections. Officials подчеркнули that Malaysia’s approach places it ahead of regional peers such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Philippines, where gig worker protections are still being introduced gradually or remain limited to specific sectors. In contrast, Malaysia’s dedicated legal framework positions the country among Asia’s leaders in addressing the challenges of the gig economy. The Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, played a central role in developing the Act, working closely with a wide range of stakeholders including gig worker associations, trade unions, academics, and media representatives. “This is not just about economic growth, but about fairness and inclusion,” the government said, emphasizing that the goal is to build a digital economy that is not only innovative and fast-growing, but also equitable and sustainable. The introduction of Act 872 is seen as a defining step in positioning Malaysia not merely as a participant in the regional gig economy, but as a model nation demonstrating that technological advancement and social protection can progress together. The government expressed appreciation to all parties involved in shaping the legislation, noting that the achievement reflects a collective national effort to secure a more just and resilient future of work.](https://minutesmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/657983552_122263032920166941_1934844252325807125_n-1024x683.jpg)
