Malaysian authorities mull heavier internet censorship

The Malaysian Home Ministry is joining forces with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to set up firewalls and ensure censored content does not get viewed by Malaysians.According to Yahoo news, these new firewalls could also impact video giants such as YouTube. When contacted by Advertising + Marketing a YouTube spokesperson said the organisation did not have a statement to share on the matter at the time of writing. Advertising + Marketing also reached out to MCMC for a statement.The article on Yahoo news said that these new firewalls would also impact films and quoted Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying that it was necessary that content on the internet suits local Malaysian culture and the sensitive nature of the nation.“We are working with MCMC on this matter and I urge the commission to implement the system soon. […] We want to create awareness among the public, specifically film goers, that the censorship board has a social and religious responsibility to ensure movies adhere to set guidelines,” he was cited saying.According to the Malaysian Digest, a total of 39 websites which insulted the Islamic religion were blocked by MCMC last year.