Creative content drive must be matched by child online safety measures, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has emphasized the importance of balancing efforts to promote creative content on digital platforms with measures to safeguard children from online sexual crimes. This support is crucial for the government's objective of enhancing the country's creative economy through the creation of high-quality and responsible digital content.

Fahmi pointed out that while encouraging the production of creative content on platforms such as YouTube, the challenge lies in preventing criminal activities like online child sexual exploitation and grooming. He stressed the priority of keeping children away from interacting with adults who might seek to exploit them through these platforms.

Fahmi, speaking after attending the Creators for Impact 2026 programme, reiterated that the Communications Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are continuing to promote the production of creative content, including on digital platforms, as part of the broader strategy to bolster the country's creative economy. The Orange Economy Council, tasked with overseeing policies and reviewing programs related to the creative economy, also backs these initiatives.

At the Google-organized 'Creators for Impact 2026' programme, Fahmi noted that the event aimed to teach content creators how to produce relevant content while also embedding online safety messages within their messages. He further highlighted that content creators can significantly contribute to promoting responsible internet usage among young people by creating engaging and pertinent content.

Fahmi called for stronger collaboration between the government, technology firms, and content creators to ensure that digital safety guidelines are effectively disseminated to the younger demographic.