In cases where websites are blocked by the MCMC, the telco states that users will be redirected to the mcmc-redirect.maxis.com.my webpage instead. — MCMC
PETALING JAYA: According to an FAQ posted by Maxis, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is requiring all Internet service providers to implement public DNS (Domain Name System) redirection for businesses, enterprises, and governments by Sept 30.
In the FAQ titled ‘Maxis Business DNS Redirection’, the telco stated that this will affect entities 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).
DNS is a system that turns easy-to-remember website names (like www.thestar.com.my) into the numeric IP addresses that computers use to locate websites on the Internet.
A public DNS can be used to bypass government blocks on certain websites. However, with DNS redirection, requests to access these websites are rerouted to the DNS servers of a local service provider, effectively blocking access to the intended sites.
Maxis said that DNS redirection is being adopted to block harmful websites and uphold Malaysian laws. It added that this measure is particularly important for businesses and government entities, as it helps protect their reputation and avoid accidental legal breaches.
“Under the current direction, this method helps to block access to websites involved in online gambling, pornography, copyright violations, scams, and other illegal activities,” it said.
In cases where websites are blocked by the MCMC, the telco states that users will be redirected to the mcmc-redirect.maxis.com.my webpage instead.
The company also posted that “MCMC will closely monitor and enforce the implementation of DNS redirection to ensure that all Internet service providers comply with the regulations and directions by MCMC”.
“As an Internet service provider, we are required to report our progress and address any issues that arise,” it added.
However, it said this will not impact entities using “private DNS or encrypted traffic, including encrypted DNS and other data traffic”.
Businesses using self-hosted private DNS servers or with DNS over HTTPS (DoH) enabled in the browser settings will also not be affected by the DNS redirect.
Private DNS servers refer to a business- or company-managed DNS service, allowing its administrators to control and configure settings directly, while DoH encrypts DNS queries sent by devices, enhancing privacy and security.
In a statement on Aug 8, MCMC said it will take measures to ensure restrictions to harmful or prohibited websites remain in place by collaborating with service providers on a number of preventive measures, including “in the management of domain name systems (DNS)”.
The regulatory body said from Jan 1, 2022, to Aug 1, 2024, a total of 10,423 websites were blocked due to violations of the law.
From the total number of blocked websites, 95.7% are in the following five categories: online gambling (4,484), online pornography (3,271), online copyright infringement (1,654), scams in the form of online investment (316), and online sex prostitution (249).
