PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 – The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ordered Internet service providers to block access to the popular websites functioning as digital distribution platform of a video game, “Fight of Gods”, which has been seen as a threat to the sanctity of religion and inter-racial harmony in the country.
Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said the action was taken after the video game platform provider, Steam, failed to comply with the 24-hour ultimatum given by the ministry to disable downloads of the game by the users in Malaysia.
“This action is necessary to protect the users and to prevent untoward incidents. The harmony and wellbeing of the multi-racial and multi-religious people in the country are the main goals of the government. The government will not compromise with any action that can jeopardise these objectives,” he said in a statement here Friday.
On Thursday, Salleh said the MCMC had contacted Valve, the platform provider that runs the popular Steam gaming hub for the video game to disable downloads for Malaysian users within 24 hours, failing which, further action would be taken. The minister also described the video game developed by a Taiwanese gaming studio degraded religions and religious leaders and posed a huge threat to racial unity and harmony.
Salleh said creating and spreading offensive content was an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and those found to have committed the offence could face a year’s jail or fine not exceeding RM50,000, or both. He said the MCMC also wants to remind consumers to be more vigilant and use their discretion when selecting content to access. — PN
