The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today told internet service providers to ensure online harms and crimes, including “disinformation and fake news”, do not happen on their networks.
This comes after news website Malaysia Now said its website and political blog, Malaysia Today, run by fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, were temporarily blocked by certain Malaysian internet service providers.
The regulator said internet service providers (ISPs) have an obligation under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to “make every effort to prevent criminal conduct on their platforms and promptly remove any online harms”, or they could be booked for facilitating crimes.
“According to Section 244 of the CMA 1998, not only the organisation itself but also its directors, chief officers, or individuals who effectively control the company may face charges if they knowingly facilitate criminal activities after being informed of such crimes being committed.
“This provision is intended to prevent the abuse of internet platforms for illegal purposes,” the MCMC said.
Other online harms listed by MCMC include inciting racial or religious discontent, scams, child sexual abuse material, unlicensed sale of health products, sale and promotion of prohibited substances and online gambling.
The regulator wants ISPs to provide action plans on how to address the issue of “content infringements” and future plans on how it will maintain information security and network integrity.
No directive
Malaysia Now and Malaysia Today are largely seen to be critical of the Anwar Ibrahim administration and allied political parties, with some questioning the veracity of information published on those websites.
Malaysia Now was inaccessible via certain providers soon after it reported on Communications and Multimedia Minister Fahmi Fadzil telling followers, during a livestream, to "behave" or risk police action against them.
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Checks by Malaysiakini and digital rights advocacy group Sinar Project found Malaysia Now was blocked by Maxis, Celcom, and Digi. It was accessible again the day after.
In response to censorship claims, Fahmi told Astro Awani: “No directive has been given to block any media or news portal.”
He also clarified that his remarks on the live-stream session were directed at those who were inciting race and religious discontent.
Fahmi has been very vocal about taking action against online crimes and online incitement of race and religious discontent. This includes facilitating collaborations between social media platforms and police to combat online harms on those platforms. - Mkini
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