‘I bar my kids from Roblox,’ Fahmi tells Parliament as possible curbs loom

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil told Parliament today that he personally prohibits his children from playing the popular online game Roblox, citing concerns over its addictive nature.

The disclosure comes amid heightened public concern after the game was linked to a tragic incident in Johor, where a nine-year-old boy allegedly slashed his younger brother after being interrupted while playing.

Speaking during his ministry’s Budget 2026 policy debate, Fahmi said he had conveyed his personal concerns directly to Roblox representatives in a recent meeting.

“[During] the session, I told them that even I bar my kids from playing Roblox,” the Lembah Pantai MP said. 

Fahmi said that as a parent, he grew concerned with the game’s addictiveness after observing his son ignoring studies and meals.

“As a 12-year-old boy, it’s better that he is out playing with his friends.”

While acknowledging that the government can regulate online games, Fahmi stressed that parents play the most critical role in monitoring their children’s online activities. 

“Devices cannot replace parents. Devices are not nannies,” he asserted.

The government's engagement with the platform extends beyond Fahmi's ministry. 

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said earlier today that Roblox had given its assurance to improve safety features using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human monitoring, and had expressed its willingness to cooperate with Malaysian authorities.

Last week, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is weighing the need to regulate 10 online games including Roblox.