The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will soon hold discussions with TikTok’s management to address growing parental concerns over the rising popularity of the PK Battle (Personal Knockout Battle) trend among young users of the platform.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry views the matter seriously, especially following reports that children are spending substantial amounts of money on virtual gifts in order to participate in the trend, Bernama reported.
He revealed that an official directive was issued this morning, and the government expects a response from TikTok representatives within the week.
“This issue has been reported by the media, and we are taking it seriously. Since TikTok has obtained its operating licence here, they need to come forward to provide an explanation and state what steps can be taken to resolve this problem,” he said during a press conference after visiting the Kubang Semang National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) today.
Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Information Department director-general Julina Johan.
Fahmi stressed that the government remains committed to safeguarding minors from harmful or inappropriate content on social media platforms.
“That is why we have consistently said that children under 13 should not have accounts on TikTok, Instagram, or any other social media platform. They are highly impressionable and can easily be drawn into trends like PK Battle without understanding the consequences,” he said.
On 28 May, the non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Damai Revolusi Masyarakat submitted a memorandum to Istana Negara, urging royal intervention to ban the PK Battle feature in Malaysia. The group also appealed to the government to consider the matter, arguing that the trend undermines social values and encourages cyberbullying and humiliation.
Separately, Fahmi provided an update on the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), stating that efforts are ongoing despite some delays due to financial procedures.
He said Mohamad Fauzi has been tasked with identifying suitable mechanisms to ensure the smooth allocation of funds to the council. Under the new law, the MMM will also be allowed to secure financing through any legal channel.
“I hope that within the next one to two months, we’ll be able to hold at least a few preliminary meetings. However, within six months of its formation, the council’s founding board must conduct a selection process to appoint the office bearers,” he said.
Fahmi added that the government has yet to hold detailed discussions on the matter to allow the founding board adequate space to deliberate on key issues. A formal dialogue is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
The Malaysian Media Council was made possible following the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill in the Dewan Rakyat on 26 February and subsequently in the Dewan Negara on 19 March. The Bill received royal assent and was gazetted shortly after.
Fahmi officially announced the enforcement of the law on 14 June, in conjunction with the 2025 National Journalists’ Day (Hawana), describing it as a landmark reform that would bring significant benefits to journalists and media practitioners nationwide.
This article was originally published by Scoop.my on 30 June 2025. 
