Following heated controversial speculation and comments both in print and online, that the Study on the Positive and Save use of the Internet conducted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would lead to government attempts to censor the Internet, the MCMC issued a press release clarifying its stand. We publish the release verbatim as follows.

Cyberjaya, 20 August 2010 – In light of the recent article published in the media regarding the “Study on Positive and Safe Use of the Internet” that is currently being conducted by SKMM, we would like to explain the rationale for the study.

As you are aware, the cyber environment are subjected to the laws of the land as any other activities and content and action can and have been taken against those who have breached Malaysian laws.

SKMM has, in the past and will continue in the future, taken action under Section 263 (2) of the Communications & Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), in cooperation with the ISPs to prevent access to websites that have contravened Malaysian laws and regulations, including those that concerning online fraud activities and scams, Phishing, obscene materials and identity thefts.

While this effort has been ongoing, SKMM and ISPs have recognized that there are technological challenges in the current method that have been implemented.

The aim of the study is to develop a more effective way to protect the Malaysian public against these websites through an examination of the various technologies currently in the marketplace and case studies of the implementations done in various other jurisdictions. The assistance of the ISPs is significant to help SKMM strategize a better solution that will not be counterproductive to the Malaysian Internet users’ experience and Malaysia’s commitment to no censorship of the Internet.

The study will also help SKMM determine the various other channels that could be used to promote positive and safe use of the Internet, including increasing awareness on Internet safety and increasing Internet self-regulation through the use of existing tools currently offered by the ISPs. The study is like any other studies that SKMM has embarked earlier.

In   2008,   SKMM   has   initiated research   collaboration  with local universities under the Research Collaboration on New Media Content. One of the main objectives of the programme is to build research capacity and knowledge resources in media policy and regulation. It is envisaged that the research collaboration will provide insights and new perspectives into the social impact of networked media content.

Research topics including ”Young People and New Media - Social Uses, Social Shaping & Social Consequences” by Universiti Sains Malaysia, ”Social Impacts of blogging on young adults: how it shapes individual opinions” by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman) and ”Self-regulatory framework and mechanism in the Malaysian Media Environment” by Universiti Putra Malaysia.

In addition, under the Spectrum Research Collaboration Program (SRCP), SKMM and designated Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) have agreed to work in a collaborative framework. Another two research were completed entitled "Adoption, Appropriation and Impact of Wireless Technologies on Malaysian Society” by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and ”The Impact of Wireless Technology Among Malaysian Society” by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

All these studies are done to help further understand the Internet. It also an important component of our role as a regulator. We respect the legal provision of not allowing censorship of the Internet as prescribed in the CMA 1998 and will continuously step up efforts in finding suitable approaches to reduce the incidence of online criminal activities or abuses so as to safeguard the Malaysian public
from exposure to inappropriate material online.