Gambling sites top Malaysia’s block list

Jenny Ortiz August 13, 2024

Gambling websites dominated the list of sites blocked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) from January 2022 to August 2023. According to local reports, during this period, MCMC blocked 10,423 websites for various legal violations, with online gambling accounting for 4,484 of these.

Other significant categories included 3,271 websites blocked for pornography and 1,654 for copyright infringement. Additionally, 316 websites were removed for involvement in scams or illegal online investments, and 249 for prostitution-related content. The reasons for blocking the remaining 449 websites were not disclosed by MCMC.

Decline in harmful website blockages

MCMC’s recent report highlighted a downward trend in the number of harmful websites blocked over the last five years. The highest recorded was in 2021, with 6,571 websites blocked. This number dropped to 4,572 in 2022, 3,724 in 2023, and 2,127 between January and August 2023. The MCMC stated that these actions align with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, along with other laws enforced by local authorities, including the police and the Securities Commission.

Collaborative efforts to enhance online security

Beyond the direct legal violations, MCMC emphasised that blocking these websites is part of broader efforts to curb crimes such as human trafficking, child grooming, and the sale of illegal substances. To ensure the continued effectiveness of these blockages amid evolving technology, MCMC is committed to working closely with local service providers. This collaboration includes enhancing preventive measures and improving domain name system management, securing a safer online environment for all users.

Despite these efforts, recent developments have posed challenges for internet users trying to bypass MCMC’s restrictions. The Sinar Project reported that telecommunications companies have implemented a “transparent DNS proxy” approach. This move prevents users from accessing blocked websites using alternative DNS servers such as Google’s or Cloudflare’s. Instead, users’ requests are automatically redirected to the local service provider’s DNS servers, effectively reinforcing the blockages imposed by MCMC.

MCMC’s extensive efforts to block illegal and harmful websites underscore the Malaysian government’s commitment to online safety. As technology advances, the Commission continues to adapt its strategies, ensuring that the digital landscape remains secure for all users.