There is a reason why Celcom, U Mobile, and UniFi service users are unable to have access to The Malaysian Insider (TMI) news portal. Access to TMI has been blocked by several Internet providers following a ban for “national security” reasons.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) enforcement chief Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin confirmed the ban yesterday in a text message to TMI informing them that “we will issue a statement”.
TMI was alerted about the ban when some readers using Celcom and Unifi complained about being unable to log into the news portal. When trying to enter the site, users were forwarded to the MCMC page stating that the website “is unavailable in Malaysia as it violates the National laws”, The Star reported.
In a statement released by MCMC, it stated that the ban was enforced following a TMI article that allegedly violated Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which deals with improper use of network facilities or network service.
“The block was implemented by the MCMC based in complaints and information received from the public. MCMC would like to remind news portals not to distribute or publish articles that have not been verified. This action can cause confusion and result in unwanted situations,” the statement read.
Happy 8th Birthday @tm_insider ! MCMC suggesting you take the day off. They could have at least sent you a cake.
— Premesh Chandran (@premesh) February 25, 2016
TMI, which turned 8 yesterday, is still accessible for those using other telco carriers such as Maxis and Digi.
Previously, Sarawak Report’s website was blocked in July 2015 following alleged statements that were deemed “detrimental to national security”, Free Malaysia Today reported.
Sources: The Star Online, Malay Mail Online, Malaysia Kini, The Malaysian Insider.
