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Internet freedom improved in Malaysia during the coverage period. Access to high-speed internet service improved, while internet users suffered fewer prison terms and pretrial detention periods over online speech.
According to Malaysia’s Department of Statistics (DOSM), in 2023, 97.7 percent of individuals in Malaysia were internet users, while household internet access stood at 96.4 percent. 1 DataReportal’s Digital 2024 report indicates an internet penetration rate of 97.4 percent. 2
Internet freedom remained restricted in Malaysia during the coverage period. Though there are few formalized restraints on online media outlets, the government blocks websites and orders content removed over political or religious sensitivities.
Although Freedom House (2022) – an organisation that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights – evaluated Malaysia in 2022 as a partly free country with a score of 59. out of 100 in internet freedoms, this report shows that, over the years, the government has used a mixture
Jun 1, 2019 · Overview. The overall state of internet freedom remained steady in Malaysia over the coverage period, although the accession to power of a new ruling coalition in March 2020 threatens recent gains. In December 2019 the Alliance of Hope (PH) government, a reformist coalition elected in 2018, abolished the Anti-Fake News Act.
Nov 1, 2018 · Internet freedom declined slightly in 2018 in Malaysia because of the new Fake News Act of 2018 which was then immediately used to prosecute an internet user. Meanwhile, technical attacks targeted politicians and websites of political parties during the general elections in May 2018.
Partly Free. See details on freedomhouse.org. Transit Provider Diversity. More diversity in routes to the global Internet improves connection resilience. Poor. Retail ISP Diversity. Diversity of retail Internet providers improves resilience and user choice. Very Good. IXP Operator Market.
Internet freedom improved in Malaysia, due to the unblocking of local and international websites that were critical of the previous government, and decreased disinformation and the influence of paid commentators known as “cybertroopers.”
This report makes recommendations that aim to ensure internet freedoms and freedom of expression in Malaysia. More importantly, the recommendations seek to create an environment where people can safely discuss issues related to race, religion, and royalty without fear and self-censorship.
Internet freedom remained restricted in Malaysia during the coverage period. Though there are few formalized restraints on online media outlets, the government blocks websites and orders content removed over political or religious sensitivities.
