MCMC: Sarawak Report remains blocked

(The Star) – Access to the Sarawak Report remains blocked, said Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) strategic communication director Sheikh Raffie Abd Rahman.

“Masih disekat (it is still blocked),” Sheikh Raffie said in a SMS on Monday to a query from The Star Online.

He was asked if the block was lifted after readers pointed out that they could access Sarawak Report despite the block still enforced since Sunday.

It is learnt that people could still get into the website via VPN (virtual private network) or their mobile phones.

“We have given instructions to all 22 Internet Service Providers in Malaysia to block the Sarawak Report. Those using VPNs would possibly be able to access the website, and those who are using the Google DNS or Open DNS could be able to access it,” added Sheikh Raffie.

Access to the Sarawak Report was blocked by the MCMC on Sunday night on grounds that it might undermine the stability of the country.

The regulatory body said on a post on its Facebook page that the website was blocked after receiving numerous complaints from the public that it was posting unsubstantiated information.

It also said access would be blocked until the special task force looking into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) completed its investigations.

The MCMC had advised the public to be cautious when sharing information over social media, which could cause unrest and destabilise the country if it was false.

The Sarawak Report website has reportedly been a main source of allegations of wrongdoing regarding 1MDB, and has published several stories on the government investment firm.