KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — The age-verification measures for social media users enforced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are an effective approach to safeguarding the mental health of children and adolescents.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the implementation of the mechanism deserves support as it not only helps protect the mental well-being of young people but also strengthens their ability to cope with future challenges.
“The age verification measures introduced by MCMC are a positive approach and one that deserves support because they contribute significantly to mental health.
“The safeguards which the government is seeking to implement are not only intended to protect mental well-being, but also to preserve the capability and resilience of younger generations in facing various challenges,” he told Media Selangor during the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026 yesterday.
Amirudin added that several developed countries have adopted similar measures by imposing certain restrictions on social media usage among younger age groups.
“Countries such as Australia have already begun implementing restrictions on social media use because of its potential impact on the cognitive development of younger generations.
“This is an issue that I have consistently highlighted over the past year, including by referring to the views and research presented in The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt,” he said.
On Sunday (May 31), the MCMC announced that, effective Monday (June 1), all licensed social media service providers must ensure that only users aged 16 and above are permitted to register accounts and access service features appropriate to their age.
For existing users, the age verification process will be implemented in stages over a period of up to six months by the relevant social media service providers.
It said that existing users identified as being under the age of 16 will be given one month to download or transfer their data, including photographs and videos, before any restrictions, suspensions or other measures are imposed.
The age verification requirement applies to all licensed social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
