File-sharing websites blocked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) can appeal to the commission should they think the blockade is unfair, said an enforcement official from the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry.

“If they don’t think they should be blocked, they can appeal to MCMC,” said Mohd Roslan Mahayuddin, director-general of the ministry’s enforcement division.

Roslan explained that the ministry has been requesting the MCMC to block certain websites which were found to have contravened the Copyright Act 1987.

“We have requested MCMC to block more than 100 websites. This year 19 websites were banned including 10 file-sharing websites,” he told Malaysiakini when met at a ministry function today in Kuala Lumpur.

On May 30, the MCMC sent a letter to all Internet service providers (ISPs) in the country to block 10 file-sharing websites upon the ministry’s request.

Roslan revealed that the ministry took action after receiving complaints from rights owners in relation to movies and music.

“We will investigate after receiving complaints. If the complaint is true, then we will refer it to MCMC.”

When a reporter pointed that some Internet users had described the move as “throwing out the baby with the bath water” as those websites are also used for legitimate purposes, Roslan acknowledged this but maintained that the ministry has to act against the illegal activities.

“As long as they are doing something illegal, we have to take action,” he added.