Roblox linked to 9-year-old’s killing of brother in Malaysia

The fatal stabbing incident prompted Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission to consider regulatory action against Roblox and nine more online games, citing their potential adverse impact on children’s behaviour.

Roblox Corporation, in a meeting with Malaysian authorities, pledged to strengthen its safety features.

“They gave their assurance that they would enhance safety through the use of AI technology and human monitoring, and are willing to work with the Malaysian government, especially when it comes to data sharing and compliance with government regulations,” Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh wrote on Facebook on Monday.

The stabbing has shocked households across Malaysia, where Roblox has more than one million users.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said he bans his own children from playing the game, citing its addictive nature and impact on behaviour.

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

In 2024, Roblox reported 85 million daily active users worldwide — a number that has likely grown as the multi-game platform continues to attract younger audiences.

While this stabbing is one of the most tragic incidents linked to Roblox, there have long been concerns over the platform’s safety features.

Parents have reported cases of grooming by adults posing as children, incidents often blamed on the platform’s inadequate real-time age verification, which relies heavily on AI moderation.

Roblox founder and CEO Dave Baszucki has previously said that while the company enforces rules on in-game behaviour, parents ultimately bear responsibility for monitoring their children’s access.

Fahmi echoed that view: “Devices cannot replace parents. Devices are not nannies.”