KUALA LUMPUR – Roblox has committed to improving safety through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and human monitoring, according to Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh.
Speaking after a meeting with the company, Hannah revealed that Roblox is willing to collaborate with the Malaysian government, particularly in data-sharing and compliance with local regulations.
She explained that during the discussion, she expressed her concerns about the impact of online gaming apps, especially those that are popular among children.
“As Minister of Youth and Sports and a mother, I am worried about how certain online games can influence children’s behaviour and emotions,” she said in a Facebook post.
Hannah highlighted that Roblox, which has over 100 million users worldwide, including over 1 million in Malaysia, carries significant responsibility in safeguarding young users. “With such a vast reach, protecting our younger audience must not be taken lightly,” she added.
The issue of online gaming safety gained further attention following a recent incident in Kampung Parit Nipah Laut, Batu Pahat, where a six-year-old boy was severely injured after being slashed and stabbed by his older brother. The attack is believed to have been triggered by frustration over the boy’s Roblox game, which had been interrupted, resulting in the loss of nearly a million accumulated points.
Johor Police Chief, Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, said that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect’s anger stemmed from the disruption of his Roblox game, which led to the point loss after the victim damaged his mobile phone.
In response to rising concerns, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that the government is reviewing the need to licence at least 10 online games, including Roblox, that may not be suitable for children under the age of 16.
“We are currently exploring the best regulatory framework and will need some time before an official announcement is made,” Fadzil said.
Meanwhile, Hannah emphasised that the digital world should not only be fun but also play a role in shaping positive character traits and values for future generations. – November 3, 2025