Communications minister and government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the requirement would be implemented through a registration process using official identification documents such as the MyKad, passport or MyDigital ID.
He said there was no need to amend existing laws governing social media platforms, namely the Communications and Multimedia Act and the Online Safety Act.
“It will be implemented in line with existing laws, including the Personal Data Protection Act, which regulates commercial transactions,” he said at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference here.
On Wednesday, Fahmi said Malaysia will soon require all social media platforms to implement electronic Know-Your-Customer (e-KYC) identity verification systems to ensure users under 13 do not own accounts
Fahmi said today his ministry would hold further discussions with the central bank and several other agencies on the implementation of the eKYC system.
He added that several popular applications, such as Touch ’n Go eWallet and Grab, already use official identification documents for verification.
“We will review the matter and announce the implementation timeline later.”
Separately, Fahmi said action can be taken against social media and e-commerce platforms that allow the sale of dangerous items such as weapons.
He said the home ministry, the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, and the health ministry will continue to take action against advertisements of prohibited items on social media and e-commerce platforms, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
However, Fahmi said the Cabinet believes there is a need for closer cooperation among agencies to identify products or issues that warrant further action.
“I’ve also directed MCMC to assess whether further action is needed if e-commerce companies or platforms fail to cooperate,” he added.
The move follows the death of a 16-year-old girl, who was stabbed by a 14-year-old male student.
Police seized a knife and a karambit (a small curved knife) believed to have been purchased online, according to initial investigations.