MCMC has been blocking users from accessing harmful websites.
Cover image via New Straits Times
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) revealed that it has been restricting access to harmful websites, even for those using alternative Domain Name Systems (DNS)
In a statement, MCMC said it has been working closely with Malaysian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block websites. This statement comes following a report by Sinar Project that first broke the news about website censorships.
In a report by SoyaCincau, 95.7% of the websites blocked were related to online gambling, pornography, copyright infringement, online scams, and prostitution.
Under MCMC's directive, local ISPs have implemented Transparent DNS Proxy. This system prevents users from accessing certain websites even if they use Google Public DNS or Cloudflare.
MCMC clarified that the reason for these restrictions is to protect Malaysians from harmful online content
In the statement, the statutory body said its restrictions are based on the 10 National Policy Goals under the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA 1998).
It added that some websites have also been restricted under the authority of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, and the Securities Commission.
Its goal is to curb various crimes facilitated through harmful websites.
MCMC stated that blocking harmful websites will help prevent human trafficking, child abduction, drug sales, and other forms of organised crime
To this end, it has been strengthening and adding protective measures to DNS management by working closely with local ISPs.
The 10 National Policy Goals hold MCMC responsible for ensuring information security and creating a trustworthy network.
However, the statement didn't specify when these measures were first implemented, although some believe the restrictions began in February this year.
Despite blocking over 20,000 harmful websites since 2020, many have accused MCMC of practising censorship
Between 1 January 2022 and 1 August 2024, more than 10,000 websites were blocked, including 4,482 online gambling sites, 3,271 pornographic sites, 1,654 copyright infringement sites, 316 fraudulent investment websites, and 249 sites related to online prostitution.
Many have raised concerns that the censorship could extend to non-harmful websites. MCMC previously sparked controversy by blocking sites such as Sarawak Report, Medium, and MalaysiaKini’s Undi.info.
Most recently, all social media and online messaging platforms with over eight million users have been ordered to obtain licences to operate in Malaysia. Failure to comply could result in them being banned.
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