10/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 10, 2025

3

Parents urged to monitor online gaming platform

Policy to help domestic violence victims KUALA LUMPUR: The National Women’s Policy 2025-2030 launched on Saturday will focus on improving existing policies and stepping up enforcement against domestic violence offenders. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the new policies would cover loopholes in previous policies, with more focus on the protection of women. “There needs to be implementation in terms of punishment and action needs to be taken against perpetrators,” she said at the International Women’s Day celebration at the World Trade Centre here. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also launched the policy. Nancy said the ministry would work with police to step up enforcement actions. During the celebration, she said her ministry has implemented pre-celebration activities for the first time to ensure more comprehensive and inclusive participation, beginning with the Borneo Zone on Feb 11, East Zone on Feb 18, South Zone on Feb 24, Central Zone on Feb 25 and North Zone on Feb 26, with between 500 and 1,000 participants in each zone. “The activities organised included awareness and advocacy campaigns, forums, and dialogue sessions with women leaders and experts.” Anwar presented special Kasih Wanita Awards to four individuals to honour their contributions during the launch. Cempaka Merah Asnaf Society founder Che Norhayati Mohamed received the Kasih Wanita Bakti Award, former schizophrenia patient Nor Kamariah Mohd Khalid Lourdes Lid received the Kasih Wanita Cekal Award, former police personnel Jennifer Atok received the Kasih Wanita Harmoni Award and Orang Asli teacher Amira Yoke Bes received the Kasih Wanita Komuniti Award. – Bernama Party youth chief aims for council seat KEPALA BATAS: Parti Keadilan Rakyat youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim confirmed that he intends to contest for a central leadership council seat at the party elections in May. The youth and sports deputy minister said it is his way of continuing to contribute to the party. “It would not be fair if I am in the country’s administration and do not play an active role in the party’s leadership,” he told reporters at the launch of the Santuni Madani programme at Kampung Baru Penaga here on Saturday. He expressed hope that the elections would be conducted fairly and peacefully, without untoward incidents. Elections at the division level will be held from April 11 to 20 while elections for central leadership will be held on May 24. – Bernama

o Game’s virtual universe may contain inappropriate content, scammers and predators: Cybersecurity expert

which has been shared on dark web forums, raises privacy and security concerns, putting users at risk of phishing, account takeovers and potential identity theft. According to an article by Alessandro Mascellino from InfoSecurity magazine, 34 million credentials from Roblox were exposed on the dark web between 2021 and 2023. “Roblox can be safe for children if parents take the right precautions. It is recommended to disable chats for those aged under 13, especially without direct supervision, and to have open conversations with children, encouraging them to speak up if they encounter anything unsafe online.” He said despite Roblox’s efforts to tighten its controls, offering parental controls and age recommendations for certain games or “experiences”, there is no official age limit for users, raising fears about the adequacy of the safety protocols in place. “Concerned groups in many countries are urging action to address such oversight of online platforms. Keeping children safe online is a key priority for any government. “We must keep children and vulnerable individuals safe when they are online. When it comes to keeping children safe, there should never be any compromise.” According to the Roblox Statistics 2024: Revenue, Growth and Market Share report, 42% of its global user base was aged 12 and under as of December 2023 and it saw an increase in female users from 35% in 2016 to 44% in 2020.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

playing due to the anonymous nature of online games. “Roblox includes text messaging and voice chat, which means children could end up talking to strangers, who may lure them into private chats on other platforms. “Users can also create their own games and some of the more notorious games present a big concern for parents. These spaces often contain virtual strip clubs, naked characters and users simulating sexually explicit experiences.” Murugason said since Robux is purchased with real money, many fraudsters run phishing scams to steal money from children. He said a community of users known as “beamers” exists, referring to those who gain unauthorised access to accounts to steal valuable virtual items. “These thieves sell the stolen assets on illicit marketplaces for US dollars or cryptocurrency. There have been scams specifically aimed at children, involving malicious websites that promise free Robux. “Thieves could exploit connected payment options, such as credit cards. Despite Roblox recently introducing a range of new safety features to reduce the risk of harm to children, concerns still arise.” He said data breach involving Roblox,

PETALING JAYA: Parents have been urged to take measures in monitoring their children on Roblox, a popular online gaming platform, as concerns grow over potential risks. Cybersecurity expert Murugason R. Thangaratnam said while it is a game, it also comes with risks, especially for children, as it allows users to create their own experiences. “It includes some 34 million children aged under 13 who spend an average of 2.6 hours daily on it, making Roblox one of the most influential digital platforms for kids and teens. “This means the platform may also contain inappropriate content, cyberbullies, scammers, hackers and online predators.” He said Roblox is a virtual universe in which nearly 90 million people from around the world create, play and socialise. The platform was created by the Roblox Corporation in the United States in 2006 and offers social interaction features, such as in-game chats and virtual currency called Robux, which players can use to purchase items and in-game perks. He said research has shown that a high percentage of children have experienced or witnessed some form of bullying while

TASTY TREATS ... A

trader preparing iftar food to sell at a Ramadan bazaar at Dataran Putrajaya a few days ago. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/ THESUN

NGOs and local communities support homeless during Ramadan KUALA LUMPUR: As the city comes alive with festive lights and the bustle of Ramadan bazaars, a starkly different reality has unfolded in the shadows. flyover near Chow Kit. His story is one of many as countless homeless individuals She said throughout Ramadan, it provides around 200 food packages daily, offering not only iftar meals and drinks but also a safe space where the homeless can gather to perform Tarawih prayers together.

“Over the past seven days of fasting, we have seen them eagerly waiting. By the time we open our tent at 6.30pm, many have already gathered not just for food, but to pray,” she said, expressing hope that more NGOs and government agencies would support their efforts. Saturday night’s programme includes the recitation of tahlil and selawat , joined by KomunitiKL volunteers and Multimedia University students. KomunitiKL volunteer Nurul Zayani Yahya, 34, emphasised the hardships faced by the underprivileged during Ramadan, revealing how the presence of the volunteers often plays a crucial role in saving lives.

“During Ramadan, we receive reports of some asnaf (those in need) contemplating suicide. Thankfully, we are able to intervene and save them. It is not just about the food we provide. It is about being there for them, offering support that helps sustain both their lives and their faith.” She recalled a case from last week in which a father, overwhelmed by his inability to provide food for his family, attempted to take his own life. “He did not know where to turn for help during the fasting month. But Alhamdulillah , we reached him in time. Now, he visits our centre regularly to pray and seek support. For many, just knowing that someone is there for them is what keeps them going.” – Bernama

endure daily struggles, especially during Ramadan, when they watch others come together for a warm iftar while they search for the most basic necessities. Amidst these challenges, the spirit of camaraderie and generosity shines through as NGOs and local communities come together to support those in need. Pertubuhan Jejak Jalanan chairman Shahdattul Olivia Ferranee Imelda Taib, 44, said the organisation’s Ramadan programme offers the homeless an opportunity to experience the essence of the holy month.

For the homeless of Kuala Lumpur, Ramadan is more than just a time of fasting; it is a period of intensified hardship and reflection as they navigate the struggles of life on the streets. For 41-year-old Mohd Ibrahim Daud, who has spent the last six years living on the streets, Ramadan evokes a sense of longing. “Ramadan used to mean family gatherings, prayers and special meals. Now, it is just about survival, finding food, water and shelter,” he said, seated on the concrete beneath a

Although the meals served are simple, such as chicken rice, watermelon and drinks, it carries profound meaning, especially when shared in a moment of genuine connection and community. “Sometimes, they feel embarrassed to pray in mosques or suraus due to their lack of resources. If we cannot bring them to the mosque, we bring the mosque to them so that they feel more accepted. We want to offer them a chance to experience the joy of Ramadan.