The authorities will search private homes if they receive tip-offs about people with pornographic VCDs, local media reported Tuesday.

"We are just waiting for any information from the public and we have ways to investigate these claims before applying for a warrant to move into these premises," Home Ministry spokesman Mamat Ibrahim was quoted as saying by the Star .

"The ministry will not accept the excuse that these pornographic VCDs are only for 'personal use'. The law does not allow that," he said.

"We will obtain search warrants to search any house believed to keep pornographic VCDs," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times .

'Home-made' video

Possessing pornographic VCDs is punishable with a fine of up to RM50,000 or a maximum five years in jail, he said.

The government of mainly-Muslim Malaysia recently launched an intensive nationwide crackdown on the makers and distributors of pornographic and pirated discs in a bid to wipe out the industry.

A pornographic home video allegedly featuring a Malaysia Airlines flight steward and his female colleagues sparked a recent public outcry over the availability of smut on the market, which also spurred the government crackdown.

A pornographic home video said to feature a local actress and her husband before they got married also made its way onto the market.

Pirated discs are widely available in Malaysia even before their Hollywood releases, often for as little as RM4. -- AFP