The Sarawak government has directed all city, municipal and district councils to freeze with immediate effect the issuance of new cybercafe licences.

It has also asked some 50 councils to step up enforcement activities amid concerns that several cybercafes are involved in 'undesirable activities' that could lead to social problems, especially among the youth.

It is learnt that the councils have also been instructed to keep the issue under wraps but no reason was given for the secrecy.

The state Ministry of Environment and Public Health, which oversees local government affairs, was believed to have issued the circular in early April.

The circular, signed by ministry permanent secretary Nicholas Patrick, was sent to the Council of City South, Sibu Municipal Council, Miri Municipal Council, Bintulu Development Authority, Commission of City North (DBKU) and all district councils.

Contacted today, a Kuching City South official declined to comment on the matter, beyond saying that the council would not entertain any new applications for cybercafe licences.

New rules

Previously, the state government introduced new rules and regulations to control the operation of cybercafes. Licences for these outlets are now issued under the Local Government Ordinance and entertainment by-laws.

The new rules require prospective operators to submit their applications, together with building plans that must be approved by the relevant government departments in prescribed forms to the respective councils.

However, cybercafe owners complain that the councils take a long time to process their applications.

"We submitted the plans as required and gave all the necessary details. I recently checked with the council and was told that the application was still being processed," said Nelson Cheng, proprietor of Cyber Zone in Kuching.

Another operator Robert Lu, who runs the popular Cyber City cafe in downtown Kuching, said he applied for a licence sometime ago and was still awaiting for it to be processed.

Lu said he understood the government's concerns with the sprouting of cybercafes in the state but it should not become paranoid with the issue.

"We are the first real Internet cafe (set up in 1996) in Kuching. My definition of an Internet cafe is a place where you get connected to the outside world.

"True, you can now play games on-line in Internet centres. But what happens when you have network games (at home). Do you also call it Internet cafe?," he asked.

Ministers unaware

Meanwhile, Minister of Environment and Public Health William Mawan, when contacted, said he would have to check with his office on the directive.

The assistant minister for the portfolio David Teng, also appeared to be unaware of any recent directive from the ministry's permanent secretary to local councils on the matter.

He said that, as to his knowledge, the state government had not imposed any state-wide freeze on the issuance of cybercafe licences.

"(However) it is a matter of government policy in advising councils in cities or towns where there is an over proliferation of cybercafes that they should take steps to reduce the number and where there is still a small number to approve applications for licensing," he added.

The ministry permanent secretary Nicholas Patrick could not be reached from comment as he is on leave.