KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) clarified today that 72 per cent of online content removals were due to the promotion of gambling and scams, not an effort to stifle public discussion on government policies. Responding to claims of being used as a “state apparatus” to curb dissent, the MCMC emphasized that its primary duty, as outlined in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, is to protect internet users and ensure a safe online environment, particularly for children.
MCMC addressed an opinion piece by veteran newsman R. Nadeswaran, which suggested the Anwar administration was using regulatory bodies to suppress criticism. MCMC refuted this, explaining that removal requests are made only when content breaches community standards, the CMA 1998, or other Malaysian laws. As of June 13, 53 per cent of the removals involved online gambling, 19 per cent online scams, 15 per cent fake news, 6 per cent race, religion, and royalty issues, and 5 per cent harassment. MCMC stressed that their actions are part of ongoing efforts to protect the public from harmful and illegal activities.
