Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said personnel supplied with a smartphone for official use are prohibited from downloading any gaming applications, especially Pokemon Go, to avoid risks and injuries while on duty.

"We provide mobile phones to members who hold certain positions such as officers and commanding officers, and it should only be used for official purposes.

"Furthermore, virtual games such as Pokemon Go have their own risks that can threaten the safety of those playing," he told Bernama when contacted here, today.

He said the navy had issued a caution to personnel and their family members about the risks and security threats arising from playing Pokemon Go.

He said the warning was issued in line with the recommendations of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in terms of the risks and hazards faced by the users of the application.

"Navy personnel are not encouraged to play Pokemon Go, especially at the bases due to various risks and security threats.

"We give this reminder not only to Navy personnel but also the general public, whereby an incident had occurred in France, and a man was arrested for trespassing an army camp in his pursuit of Pokemon characters," he said.

Ahmad Kamarulzaman said as such, the Navy also warned the public not to trespass Naval bases to catch Pokemons.

"Anyone found trespassing may be arrested and detained for entering a restricted area," he said.