PUTRAJAYA, 9 Sept 2017:
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is lifting its access restriction against the steampowered.com website after the operator of the gaming platform complied with the ultimatum given by the commission for it to disable downloads of the video game Fight Of Gods by Malaysian users.
MCMC, in a statement posted on its Facebook page today, said the commission is committed to protect the interest of consumers in Malaysia, and would not compromise with any action that could jeopardise the sanctity of religions and inter-racial harmony in the country.
“MCMC also wants to remind users to be more cautious and use their discretion when selecting content to access.”
Yesterday, MCMC ordered Internet service providers to block access to the website, which served as the platform for a digital video game Fight of Gods, which was seen as degrading religions and racial harmony in the country.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak yesterday said the action was taken after the provider of the gaming platform, Steam, failed to comply with the 24-hour ultimatum given by MCMC to disable downloads of the game by Malaysian users.
“Such an action is needed to protect the consumers as well as to prevent any untoward incidents.
“Ensuring the unity, harmony and well-being of the multiracial and multi-religious people in the country are the government’s main objectives. The government will not compromise on any kind of behaviour that might affect these goals.”
Salleh also described the video game developed by a Taiwanese studio as degrading religions and religious leaders, as well as posing a threat to racial harmony.
He said any act of creating and spreading offensive content is an offence under Section 233 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The Fight of Gods game features Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha as its main characters in which the players can select their preferred heroes to defeat the opponents.
The game had raised anger among religious leaders and video game fans.
– Bernama