MyIX Takes a Stand Against Internet Censorship in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Persatuan Pengendali Internet Malaysia (MyIX), operator of Malaysia Internet Exchange, today responded to the recent Internet censorship issue during Malaysia’s 14th General Election. MyIX is of the opinion that censorship may affect the long-term business growth of the Internet industry, particularly to the government’s effort in making Malaysia the next regional Internet hub.

“On behalf of Malaysia’s local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and content providers, we strongly believe Internet censorship is a step backwards in achieving the government’s vision of making Malaysia the regional Internet hub. Not only will it restrict transparency of the public participation process within country, it may also deter many international investors or internet companies from setting a presence or connecting directly to Malaysia,” said Chiew Kok Hin, the Chairman of Persatuan Pengendali Internet Malaysia.

Representing over 66 local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), content providers and hosting companies, MyIX has contributed significantly to the rapid growth of Internet ecosystem within Malaysia. “Blocking of websites places significant constraints on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) where extra filtering is required, which will impact the growth of Internet ecosystem in Malaysia. Not only it is not conducive to the growth of Malaysia’s Internet industry, it may also deter regional players from connecting to MyIX,” Chiew adds.

Inhabited by more than 30 million people, Malaysia plans to boost its internet users to surpass the global average. “Internet censorship does not instill confidence in all industry stakeholders, both locally and externally. Restricting transparency certainly does not paint Malaysia in a positive light going forward,” said Chiew.

In addition, Internet censorship is against the MSC Malaysia Bill of Guarantees No. 7 which states to ensure no censorship of the Internet. MSC Malaysia is the country’s initiative that grows local digital businesses into global players whilst working to continuously future-proof the local digital ecosystem.

The Chairman concludes, “MyIX is supportive of MCMC role as regulator of the Internet and telecommunications industry. MyIX is also committed to MCMC initiatives. Hence we strongly believe that clarifying processes, establishing protocols and offering recommendations to work together with MCMC, in accordance with best practice (eg tackling crime, child pornography), is the best way to address this issue in the long run.”

About Persatuan Pengendali Internet Malaysia (MyIX):

MyIX (Malaysia Internet Exchange) is operated by Persatuan Pengendali Internet Malaysia. The non-profit organization was initiated by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in September 2006 through the cooperation of local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to connect and exchange local Internet traffic. MyIX is managed by a committee that comprises elected representatives of local Malaysian ISPs. MyIX’s infrastructure consists of 6 Internet Exchange nodes of which 4 were in Bayan Baru, Iskandar Puteri, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. These add on to the MyIX nodes located in the Klang Valley at Menara AIMS (Kuala Lumpur), and CSF 1 (Telekom Malaysia, Cyberjaya). MyIX is modelled after the Amsterdam Internet Exchange and London Internet Exchange, and aspires towards world class Internet Exchange standards. For further information, please visit www.myix.my