The Malaysian government in late June ruled that Internet cafes must install anti-porn filters, and ISPs and telecomm companies will be required to provide customers with optional filtering services.
Under the ruling, which was go into effect immediately, Internet cafes would be required to filter online content before receiving operating licenses. The government also announced it would set up a bureau to handle complaints about online adult content and encouraged private sectors and the public to hold awareness campaigns.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein expressed doubts that the use of special software to block out pornography on the Internet will stop students from surfing to adult websites, reported local Malaysian news agency Bernama.
The ruling would give consumers the option of using the services, but providers must offer it at a cost price.
Last year, a 21-year-old Malaysian man was charged and convicted when adult content in Real Media format and 3GP were found on his laptop. According to slashphone.com, Lim Puay Huat, the owner of the adult media, is the first ever Malaysian user charged for downloading and intending to sell adult files from a pornographic website.
A film censorship law is currently in effect in Malaysia, banning the viewing of adult movies.
