Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will meet with TikTok's management to seek clarification following growing parental concerns over the popular PK Battle or Personal Knockout Battle trend among the app's young users. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that the ministry is addressing the issue seriously, particularly due to reports of children spending significant amounts of money on in-app gifts to participate in the trend.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, an official directive was issued this morning, and the ministry expects TikTok representatives to respond soon, no later than this week. Fahmi emphasized the importance of TikTok providing an explanation and outlining steps to address the problem. He conveyed these points during a press conference after visiting the Kubang Semang National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI). Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Information Department director-general Julina Johan.
Fahmi reiterated the government's commitment to protecting minors from inappropriate content on social media platforms. He highlighted the stance that children under 13 should not have accounts on TikTok, Instagram, or any other social media platform, as they can be easily influenced by trends like PK Battle without understanding the consequences.
On May 28, Pertubuhan Damai Revolusi Masyarakat, a non-governmental organization, submitted a memorandum to Istana Negara, urging royal intervention to ban the PK Battle feature in Malaysia. The group argued that the trend undermines social values and promotes negative behaviors such as cyberbullying.
In another development, Fahmi mentioned ongoing efforts to establish the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), acknowledging that certain financial processes may take time. He tasked Mohamad Fauzi with identifying effective mechanisms to ensure smooth fund disbursement to the council. Even under the new law, the council can source funding from any legal channel.
Fahmi expressed hope that preliminary meetings for the council could be held within one to two months, with the founding board conducting a selection process for office bearers within six months of its formation. He noted that the government has yet to hold detailed discussions to allow the founding board space for assessment. A formal dialogue may occur in the coming weeks.
The establishment of MMM became feasible after the Malaysian Media Council Bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, receiving royal assent and subsequently being gazetted. Fahmi announced the law's enforcement starting June 14, aligning with the 2025 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) celebrations, marking it as a significant media reform benefiting journalists and media professionals nationwide.