MCMC blocks over 10,000 websites

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced that a total of 10,423 websites have been blocked due to legal violations from January 1, 2022, to August 1, 2024.

According to Bernama, MCMC’s statement today noted that of this number, 95.7% of the blocked websites fall into five main categories: online gambling (4,484 sites), pornography (3,271 sites), copyright infringement (1,654 sites), scams or illegal investments (316 sites), and prostitution (249 sites).

“Over the past five years, the highest number of website blocks for harmful online content was recorded in 2021 at 6,571. However, this number has shown a downward trend through August 2024, with 2,127 blocks,” said MCMC.

The commission stated that these blocks are carried out under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998) and other laws enforced by agencies such as the police, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, and the Securities Commission.

In a broader context, website blocking also helps curb other crimes such as human trafficking, child exploitation, the sale of illegal substances like drugs, and organized crime.

To ensure that blocks remain effective and aligned with technological advancements, MCMC is committed to working closely with local service providers to enhance and strengthen prevention and protection measures, including in the management of Domain Name System (DNS) services.

“MCMC’s collaboration with service providers helps ensure a safer online environment, thereby safeguarding all users,” it said.

This effort also aligns with the 10 National Policy Goals under CMA 1998, including ensuring information security and the reliability and integrity of networks.

MCMC added that this initiative requires a holistic national approach involving all levels of society to avoid surpassing available protection mechanisms that could negatively impact individuals and families, particularly teenagers and children.