KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 ― Putrajaya does not intend to block access to Pokemon Go or restrict how Malaysians play the mobile gaming hit, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
Despite the various concerns expressed over the online phenomenon, he pointed out that Pokemon Go was simply a game and there was no need to overreact over its current popularity.
Nur Jazlan instead advised players to be mindful of existing rules while playing the augmented reality game.
“Pokemon Go is just fad and the craze will go off after a while, but gamers are advised not to break any laws and that includes driving while holding your phone or trespassing.
“Just be responsible and aware of your surroundings… don't injure yourself and others,” he told Malay Mail Online.
The massive popularity of the game among smartphone users has prompted numerous concerns and calls for its ban, even before the game was officially launched in Malaysia during the weekend.
These ranged from possible psychological and social issues stemming from game addiction to religious and even potential security concerns.
Islamic authorities, in particular, have expressed views critical of the game, but have yet to issue any edict barring Muslims from playing it.
Pokemon Go has been an instant sensation in Malaysia, in the same way other markets have received the game, and the sight of Malaysians peering into their smartphones while hunting the virtual monsters is becoming increasingly ubiquitous.
The game has been downloaded an estimated 75 million times on both iOS and Android at the end of July.
Several accidents and even a death have been attributed to the people playing game in various parts of the world.
