KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) blocked 2,921 pornographic websites from Sept 2018 to last year to protect local internet users in the country.
According to the MCMC, action to block access to pornographic websites is still being proactively carried out.
"Legal action will be taken against those who provide or spread pornographic content via social media platforms.
"It is an offence according to Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998 that provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000, or a year in prison, or both.
"Other relevant laws will be enforced and applied according to the facts of the case under investigation, and are bound by the existing legal provisions such as the Penal Code which falls under the jurisdiction of the police," said an MCMC spokesperson to Harian Metro.
The MCMC was reacting to a news report on disturbing statistics that three to four out of every ten Malaysians subscribe to or view pornographic content and material every week.
Apart from that, data released by a world renowned pornographic website showed Malaysia in fourth place after Slovakia, Bulgaria and Ireland worldwide, and among the top in Asia, in searching for pornographic material and content online.
The spokesperson said the MCMC is always carrying out joint efforts to address the existence of such lewd content and material, which is wrong in the eyes of the law.
"This also includes the advocacy approach and exerting self-restraint and control where the MCMC organises advocacy and awareness programmes across the country via digital assets, news releases, on television, via webinars, joint efforts with volunteer bodies and other relevant government agencies, apart from integrated efforts and activities such as seminars.
"Other than that, programmes such as Klik Dengan Bijak (KDB) are also part of efforts to encourage responsible and disciplined use of the Internet with the focus on three aspects, which are safety, responsibility and vigilance to protect (netizens) from negative materials and content," the spokesperson stressed.
According to the MCMC, Malaysian consumers are encouraged to lodge complaints or furnish pertinent information to relevant authorities on any pornographic or other detrimental content and material on social media.
Complaints concerning pornographic material and content on the Internet can be channelled via email to aduanskmm@mcmc.gov.my, or via WhatsApp +6016-220 6262, and via the portal https://aduan.skmm.gov.my/.