Virtual-reality game Pokemon Go is a no-go anywhere in or near the Defence Ministry (Mindef).

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said this was to prevent any threats to national security as Mindef with it sensitive records and assets, cannot risk breaches.

"Where Mindef is concerned, when they play Pokemon Go we fear they will do recording and the recordings might capture sensitive assets.

“That is why I have instructed Mindef's Intelligence Corp to ban any Pokemon Go activity near sensitive areas," he told reporters after opening Batu Gajah Umno delegates meeting today.

Pokemon Go, an augmented reality game based on locations developed by Niantic Incorporation of Nintendo USA, was launched on July 6. It has now reached the Malaysian market and more than 30 other countries.

It is a game that requires players to find and fight virtual characters based on real-world locations that are detected through smartphones.

Hishammuddin added that he had also instructed the chiefs of the three branches of the armed forces to ban the game from being played within their areas that are considered to be restricted areas.

"I had mentioned that it should be banned, but the decision to do so in those areas depends on the decision of those in authority there," he said.

Yesterday, Malaysian Army chief, general Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor had urged military personnel to not play Pokemon Go as it posed security risks.

Mohamed Affandi commented that since the game uses the Global Positioning System (GPS), there was a concern on possible threats to security of camps, equipment and staff.

- Bernama