BUKIT MERTAJAM, Aug 9 — The authorities are urged to conduct a study on the effects of location-based augmented reality mobile game, Pokemon Go, from the safety and social aspects.     

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye personally believes that a comprehensive study on the popular game is needed for the society to find out further on its advantages and disadvantages.          

"The good thing is that this game is seen as an activity that can promote family bonding when a family goes out together to search for Pokemon Go (the monsters).      

"However, this game has to be studied at great length as it also has its downside on a person,” he told reporters after launching the Seminar on Enhancing Integration and Professionalism at the Seberang Perai Polytechnic, here today.        

Lee said the game could also cause its players to get addicted, to become absorbed in and expose a person to danger including being snatched or robbed.   

"When they get too caught up to look for the monsters, they will not become aware of their surroundings.

"They can easily become a target to snatch thieves.  This is very dangerous. Same goes for those who are (hunting the monsters while) driving, it can cause accidents,” he said.      

Lee said MCPF would discuss the matter among its executive council members in their next meeting before they come out with an official statement. 

Pokemon Go, developed by Niantic Incorporation of Nintendo USA, stirred a controversy in the country after the game application was made available for Android and iOS users on Saturday. 

Unlike the conventional hide-and-seek game, the players must capture the digital monsters overlay on real-world settings and train the creatures for battles. — Bernama