MCMC to expand filtered internet service to public premises in Selangor

 The move follows the success of a pilot project implemented at mosques in the state to curb the spread of negative content.

MCMC is working in collaboration with the Selangor government to restrict access to certain sites and online games at public premises and private universities. (MCMC pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with the Selangor state government, plans to expand its filtered internet service to public premises and private higher learning institutions.

Selangor Islamic affairs and innovation culture committee chairman Fahmi Ngah said the move followed the success of a pilot project implemented at mosques in the state to curb the spread of negative content.

He said content filtering was important to ensure digital access was not misused during important activities such as prayers and learning sessions.

“We installed a filtering system at mosques to prevent children from playing online games during prayer times. The same approach will be extended to private universities and related public residences,” he told reporters after officiating the Safe Internet Campaign Community Carnival 2026 at Kampung Lindungan here today.

On cyber threats, Fahmi said 35,073 online scam cases were recorded as of June, involving losses of RM951.7 million, with investment scams accounting for RM413.8 million.

“Losses amounting to nearly RM1 billion involve people’s life savings. Therefore, the public needs to practise the concept of ‘tabayyun’ or careful verification through the principles of ‘Check Before Clicking, Think Before Sharing’,” he said.

He also proposed that authorities use artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically screen keywords or fake accounts to combat cyberbullying and extreme content without waiting for public complaints. - FMT