Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia has announced plans to enforce strict guidelines on all shops offering internet services, or cyber cafes, in a move to cut-down on rising crime rates, official reports said Monday.

All cyber cafes would have to close by midnight, and shop owners would be banned from using darkened glass in their premises, said deputy housing and local government minister Hamzah Zainuddin.

"Operators must ensure that their shops can be see-through from the outside," Hamzah was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

"Both cigarettes and alcohol will also be prohibited from being sold or consumed at these premises," he said.

Hamzah said those under the age of 12 can only be allowed to enter these shops accompanied by a parent or guardian, adding that the new rules would hopefully deter students from playing truant.

"We will also issue warnings to operators who allow students who skip classes in to their centres as this has been getting out of hand lately," he said.

However, he declined to say when the new guidelines would be enforced.

Currently, cyber cafes are allowed to operate round-the-clock. Police raids are conducted frequently on these premises, often resulting in young students being caught for smoking, drinking, gambling and skipping classes. (dpa)