KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called on parents to play a major role in monitoring and controlling their children's Internet use as part of efforts to protect them from cybercrime.
He said that children who are not fully mature, especially those aged below 16, are at risk of becoming victims of online data exploitation, fraud and harassment if their activities are not thoroughly monitored.
"Smartphones, tablets, and Internet subscriptions are not purchased by children, but by parents. So, the control and responsibility must begin with parents,” Fahmi said during the launch of the Safer Internet Day 2026 today, organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
He added that digital devices should not be used as "babysitters” for children, but that parents need to set safety restrictions and limit usage time.
Fahmi also shared his personal experience controlling his 13-year-old child's use of digital games after finding that they were making his child too distracted.
"I set a time limit. If it is more than an hour, permission is needed. This is not cruel, but to teach our children so they know the limit and about moderation,” he said, while advising parents to ensure the use of the Internet does not affect their children's education.
Speaking to the media later, the minister said that this year's Safe Internet Campaign also focuses on Internet safety messages related to parental controls, including limiting time spent on devices or playing video games.
Regarding efforts to increase Internet safety awareness in the community, Fahmi said 150 individuals from various backgrounds have been appointed to deliver the latest information to their respective communities periodically.
"They will be provided with information from time to time to be delivered to their respective communities, be it about new scams, scammers’ latest modus operandi, or any latest information related to Internet safety issues,” he said.
