Over 25,000 websites blocked since 2018, says Communications Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 25,120 websites were blocked between 2018 and Oct 1 this year, says the Communications Ministry.

Its Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the blocks were due to various offences, adding that Internet service providers carried out the task in line with requests from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Of the total websites blocked, 9,847 had online gambling content, 7,846 had lewd content, 3,476 for infringing copyrights, 563 for prostitution, 544 for scams and 2,844 for jeopardising public safety.

“The blocks were made to protect consumers and create a safe internet space for the community,” he said in a written reply on Friday (Oct 25).

Fahmi was responding to a question by Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH-Sibu) who asked about plans to tackle cybercrimes.

Ling also questioned the government’s decision to backtrack on the domain name system (DNS) redirection exercise.

Previously, MCMC had instructed all Malaysian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement public DNS redirection by Sept 30.

DNS redirection will stop those using public DNS services, such as Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1) from bypassing government blocks.

However, with DNS redirection, requests to access blocked websites are rerouted to the DNS servers of a local service provider, effectively blocking access to the intended sites.

The move was halted following a massive public outcry.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said Internet services providers and social media platform providers in Malaysia will have to undergo the licensing scheme come January next year.

“This allows service providers to be responsible and play an important role in establishing a safe online ecosystem.

“MCMC is also developing a code of conduct that must be adhered to by service providers operating in Malaysia,” he said.

This will cover aspects like user and children safety, alongside a reporting mechanism, among others.

He also said the Online Safety Bill will be tabled soon, adding that the law is aimed at curbing online crimes and ensuring social media platform providers play a proactive role in this.