KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 25): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) confirmed this evening that The Malaysian Insider website has been blocked for breaching Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which deals with the abuse of communications networks.

In a statement released this evening, MCMC also said the action against the news portal, which turned eight today, was due to complaints and information received from the public.

The Internet regulator also warned other news portals not to publish unverified articles as it could cause confusion and create an unwarranted situation.

The statement however did not say how TMI had flouted Section 233.

According to the MCMC website, Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 is for improper use of network facilities or network services.

It is labelled under spam laws and can be used against a person who initiates communication using any application service with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person at any number or electronic address.

The intent underlying Section 233 (1)(b) may be utilised to deal with unsolicited communications.

Those convicted under the act face a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or jail term not exceeding one year, or both.

If the offence is continued after conviction, a further fine of RM1,000 is liable for each day the offence is committed.

Earlier this evening, some readers using Celcom and Unifi, both provided by state-controlled firms, complained about the block.

Others using Maxis, however, said they could still access the portal on their phones despite the directive that all ISPs block the site.

Blocked users were greeted with a note that said the news portal had flouted Malaysian laws.

"This is an unpleasant surprise. MCMC has replied to my query and said they will issue a statement," editor and chief executive Jahabar Sadiq had said earlier today.