Malaysian authorities start blocking servers that stream pirated content

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has announced that they will be blocking IP addresses of servers that are found to be hosting pirated copyright content from 24th February 2020. As a result, connectivity to such servers will be interrupted. The anti-piracy move is done in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

According to the notice that’s shared on its Facebook page, illegal streaming is a violation of the provision under Section 41 of the Copyright Act 1987 (CA 1987). The MCMC has been working closely with KPDNHEP to block access to websites that violates the Copyright Act 1987.

Last year, the commission had blocked over 240 illegal streaming sites that provided illegal content through Android TV boxes. At one point, the authorities had considered banning Android TV boxes, a move which is seen as beneficial to pay-TV operator, Astro. Eventually, there’s no ban on the actual hardware but the MCMC has issued a warning to certified Android TV box suppliers not to pre-install applications that can facilitate the streaming of illegal content.

It is a violation to sell uncertified Android TV boxes in Malaysia and the MCMC has issued a total of RM67,000 worth of compounds from October 2018 to January 2020 for uncertified device-related offences. If you’re planning to get an Android TV box, MCMC urges you to check for the SIRIM sticker before making a purchase. You can use the Check Your Label app or SIRIM’s portal.

If you have any enquiries, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has urged users to contact them via e-Aduan.

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