CYBERJAYA, August 10, 2016 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued general safety guidelines to the public concerning the mobile game app Pokemon Go, advising those who play the game to always be aware of your surroundings and safety of the community. These public safety guidelines are to prevent any untoward incidents such as robbery, theft or damage.

The release of general safety guidelines came after the onset of the concerns of the various parties and a few accidents due to playing game applications based on augmented reality.The move is also in line with safety guidelines issued by several other countries to respect the game.

Click the images above to enlarge them or read our translation below —

SAFETY GUIDELINES WHILE PLAYING POKEMON GO

1. Protect your Personal Information
   The game requires you to register and share personal information, including information from the phone’s Global Positioning System. Consider whether you are willing to share such personal information, and parents should be aware that their children’s data is collected as they play Pokemon Go.
2. Be wary of fraud
   Be careful of fake and suspicious mobile applications that are offered to you. Such applications could be malware or expose you to hackers.
3. Monitor your spending while buying incentives
   There are purchase-able incentives to up your game and it could go up to USD99.99 (RM403.86) to buy 14,500 PokeCoins. Be aware of what you are paying for.
   
4. Data Connection
   The game uses GPS and data to retrieve your real-time location. This will exhaust your mobile phone data.
5. Bring along your power bank
   The game drains the phone’s battery. Bring along your power bank so that your phone is charged in case of emergencies.
6. Do not enter dangerous and banned areas, places of worship and private properties
   Do not roam around and wander into unauthorized areas in order to catch Pokemon!
7. Be wary about individuals who want to meet you
   Don’t play the game alone and don’t agree to meet strangers who contact you through the game.
8. DO NOT PLAY while cycling, riding a motorcycle or driving
   Be careful while using your phone, and don’t ride a bicycle, motorcycle or drive while you play Pokemon Go or messaging your friends and family.
9. Report game safety
   Those who have any questions or concerns about the safety aspects, and the sensitivity of the Pokemon Go may contact the developer – Niantic Inc. based in San Francisco, the United States through their website.
10. Report to remove a PokeStop or “Gym” problems
    For those who want to report an issue involving PokeStop or gym, the report can be made to address this website.