KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he will meet with Google representatives over the spread of explicit content on the tech giant’s platform, YouTube.
On Instagram, Fahmi responded to a post by sexual health educator Mohd Fairuz Abu, better known as Akhi Fairuz Al-Jengkawi, who highlighted the case of a Year 1 pupil performing lewd gestures after being influenced by the video-sharing site.
“This is ridiculous. I will meet with the Google representatives to discuss this,” Fahmi said in the caption of his post this evening.
“God-willing the meeting will be arranged in the near future.”
Fahmi’s post was a screenshot of Akhi’s complaint on Instagram.
Akhi had claimed that an unnamed primary school teacher had discovered that a Year 1 pupil was exposed to the explicit content and behaved inappropriately, although many students of that age could barely read or spell.
“If parents are not serious about blocking or monitoring the use of handphones by children at home, there would be a generation that is, hmm…” Akhi said.
Replying to Fahmi, Akhi expressed gratitude that his concerns were seen by the minister.
Akhi suggested several ways to prevent the issue and educate children on the matter.
“Blocking (censorship). This is the role of authorities. Like the minister Fahmi Fadzil’s response.
“Monitoring. This is the job of parents. Do not ruin your children by giving them unrestricted access to gadgets.”
“Education. This should be continuous. Do not tire yourself from educating children on what is right or wrong, what is halal or haram, what is sin, and what are good deeds.” – December 13, 2023