The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is keeping a close watch on various blog sites and news portals, aside from carrying out random monitoring, the Dewan Negara was told today.

NONE Information Communication and Culture Deputy Minister Joseph Salang Gandum said this followed an influx of websites and blogs in the Internet, making it difficult for the authorities to monitor each site.

He said the commission also monitored Internet sites based on public complaints.

“We encourage the public to lodge complaints with the MCMC Complaints Bureau ( aduan.skmm.gov.my ), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Forum ( CMCF-www.cmcf.my ) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Consumer Forum ( CfM-www.cfm.org.my ), should they know of any site or blog flouting our laws,” he said in reply to a question from Senator Lee Cheam Choon.

Lee wanted to know the ministry's mode of action in prohibiting unscrupulous individuals from writing or publishing false information through the mass media, especially the Internet, which could easily influence the public.

    

In relation to that, Salang said provisions under the Multimedia and Communication Act 1998 were sufficient to combat cyber criminals who used the Internet and new media to carry out activities against the law, or were provocative or defamatory in nature.

He said legal action could not be regarded as censorship as it was done to enforce the country’s laws.

“The government will not censor any content on the Internet unless it is against our laws,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said the ministry and MCMC would instill positive values in internet usage though various media channels, awareness programmes and activities for the public.

- Bernama

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