Malaysia's Regulatory Body Decides to Abandon ISP & DNS Blocking Strategy, No Longer Using DNS to Block Websites

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had previously established a new policy requiring all Malaysian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement Domain Name System (DNS) redirection instructions.

This policy was a solution to combat illegal activities and abuse online in Malaysia, namely by using the DNS system to block websites involved in gambling, pornography, prostitution, and other categories.

To implement the redirection instructions, ISPs were required to reroute all traffic to a third-party designated DNS server, which would block websites according to MCMC's directives.

However, the regulatory body has now decided to abandon this previous decision. MCMC states that it will continue to hold dialogue sessions with all stakeholders, gathering opinions, suggestions, and recommendations to ensure the achievement of a safer internet environment collectively.

At the same time, all ISPs may now redirect their DNS server traffic back to their servers, eliminating the need for traffic rerouting, thereby ensuring that the normal internet browsing experience of users is not compromised.

MCMC emphasizes that Malaysia will not compromise on this issue, meaning it will continue to explore other plans to enhance internet security, ensuring the safety of Malaysian users, especially children and families.