PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said it took action on online portal TV Pertiwi to prevent any offenses related to misinformation.
In a statement today (Aug 18), MCMC said it was fulfilling its obligations under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“As we prepare for the upcoming assessment of TV Pertiwi, we strive to demonstrate our accountability in fulfilling our regulatory duties. Any action taken is subject to the investigation to ensure the integrity and security of information disseminated through media and content platforms,” it added.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), TV Pertiwi said its online news portal was inaccessible from Aug 17 due to a DNS (domain name system) block initiated by MCMC.
A separate post today at 9am said that TV Pertiwi’s chief operation officer Mohd Firdaus Salleh Hudin has filed a police report in Bangi, Selangor and is seeking answers from MCMC on the block.
The portal’s official account on TikTok, which had over 63,000 followers, has also been blocked.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has taken action against the online portal TV Pertiwi to prevent any offenses related to misinformation. In a statement released on August 18, the MCMC stated that it was fulfilling its obligations under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The commission aims to demonstrate its accountability in fulfilling its regulatory duties as it prepares for the upcoming assessment of TV Pertiwi. It emphasized that any action taken is subject to investigation to ensure the integrity and security of information disseminated through media and content platforms.
TV Pertiwi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), announced that its online news portal had become inaccessible since August 17 due to a DNS (domain name system) block initiated by the MCMC. The portal’s chief operation officer, Mohd Firdaus Salleh Hudin, has filed a police report in Bangi, Selangor, seeking answers from the MCMC regarding the block.
Additionally, TV Pertiwi’s official account on TikTok, which had gathered over 63,000 followers, has also been blocked. The actions taken by the MCMC appear to be an effort to curb misinformation and maintain the integrity of information spread through various media and content platforms.
The use of DNS blocking serves as a method to restrict access to specific websites. This measure can be implemented by organizations or authorities to block certain websites deemed inappropriate or misleading. By utilizing this tool, the MCMC has taken steps to prevent the dissemination of potentially harmful or false information through TV Pertiwi’s online portal.
As an independent regulatory body, the MCMC plays a crucial role in ensuring the responsible and accurate distribution of information across media platforms in Malaysia. In the face of evolving technological advancements and increasing concerns regarding the spread of misinformation, the commission demonstrates its commitment to regulating media channels effectively.
However, the block on TV Pertiwi’s online portal raises questions and concerns about the freedom of information and the potential abuse of regulatory power. The police report filed by the chief operation officer indicates a desire for transparency and answers regarding the MCMC’s decision. This case highlights the importance of balancing regulation and freedom of speech in an increasingly digital world.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed