Malaysia has scrapped its controversial internet re-routing plan following widespread public backlash and concerns from the tech industry. The now-canceled policy would have effectively blocked access to websites deemed improper by the government for anyone in the country not using a VPN. The plan was aimed at redirecting internet traffic through government-controlled servers, ostensibly to monitor and filter content.
Just one day after its announcement, amid a torrent of public dissent, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the policy would not be implemented.
Malaysia scraps internet re-routing plan
“Taking into account the views expressed through MCMC’s engagement sessions as well as from the general public, I have requested [the commission] not to proceed with the implementation,” he wrote on the X social media platform late on Sunday.
Critics argued that the policy would have infringed on internet freedom and stifled innovation, making Malaysia less attractive to potential tech investors. The decision to abandon the plan is seen as a relief for civil society groups who had been vocal about their opposition. This development highlights the delicate balance Malaysia must strike between regulating internet content and fostering a conducive environment for technological progress and investment.
Insiders warn that fallout from the scrapped DNS policy could undermine government efforts to attract tech investments from major players like Nvidia.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
