Malaysia has abandoned its controversial internet re-routing policy following widespread public backlash. The policy would have effectively blocked access to websites deemed improper by the government for anyone not using a VPN. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the withdrawal of the plan just one day after its proposal.
“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,” Fadzil wrote on the X social media platform. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had previously stated that this approach was part of its efforts to block access to websites involved in illegal activities such as online gambling, pornography, copyright infringement, online scams, and prostitution. However, critics accused the MCMC of also using DNS redirection to censor websites unrelated to such activities.
On Saturday, the MCMC confirmed that it mandated Malaysian ISPs to redirect DNS traffic.
Malaysia’s DNS re-routing controversy ends
The commission claimed this measure was necessary to protect users by blocking access to websites known for distributing malware, phishing, and other malicious activities, as well as filtering inappropriate content.
The MCMC denied accusations that the redirection policy was “draconian” and dismissed claims it was blocking legitimate websites as “inaccurate.”
Despite these denials, the negative publicity surrounding DNS redirection and online censorship may have influenced subsequent decisions. Fahmi underscored the importance of tackling illegal online activities but also emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions. He assured that the government would not compromise on online safety to protect Malaysians, especially children and families.
State assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad, a member of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s People’s Justice Party, criticized the plan as “draconian,” stating it could negatively affect Malaysia’s digital economy, which has seen large investments from major tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, and Google this year. Lim Yi Wei, an assemblywoman from the Democratic Action Party, part of Anwar’s ruling coalition, said the plan amounted to censorship and posed cybersecurity risks such as DNS poisoning, where web traffic could be redirected by hackers. Insiders are now warning that the fallout from this scrapped policy could undermine the government’s efforts to attract tech investments from major players, as the country aims to bolster its tech industry.
The decision to retract the policy reflects the broader societal pushback and the importance of maintaining open internet access in Malaysia.
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