Over 10,000 websites blocked by MCMC since 2022

PETALING JAYA: Online gambling and porn are the top two categories of websites blocked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

“Of the figures, 95.7% of the blocked websites fall into the following five categories: online gambling at 4,484 websites blocked, followed by online porn at 3,271 and online copyright infringement at 1,654 sites.

“The other two categories of websites blocked were online scams or illegal investments and online prostitution at 316 and 249 websites blocked respectively,” the statement said on Aug 8.

MCMC said the websites were blocked under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998) and laws enforced by other agencies, such as the Royal Malaysia Police, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Securities Commission.

It also said that the most blocked websites were recorded in 2021, with 6,571 sites blocked.

The trend also showed a decline. As of Aug 1 this year, 2,127 websites were blocked for harmful content.

In 2022, MCMC blocked 4,572 websites and clamped down on 3,724 online portals in 2023.

MCMC said blocking websites helps the authorities combat other crimes such as human trafficking, child exploitation, the sale of prohibited substances like drugs, and other organised crimes.

“To ensure these blocks remain effective and aligned with technological advancements, MCMC is committed to working closely with local service providers to enhance and strengthen preventive and protective measures, including Domain Name System (DNS) management.

“The cooperation between MCMC and service providers helps ensure a safe online environment, thereby safeguarding all users.

“This aligns with the 10 National Policy Objectives under CMA 1998, including ensuring information security, network reliability, and integrity,” it said.