The Malaysian Media and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) blocked access to a website spreading misinformation amid a task force's investigation into alleged corruption involving Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife.

A notice denying access to the Sarawak Report website - Photo: CNA

According to Channel NewsAsia, MCMC decided on July 19 to block online access to a website run by Clare Rewcastle Brown, the sister of former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, citing the site's publication of "unverified information" and its perceived threat to "national stability."

"MCMC has decided to block access to The Sarawak Report, a website that could disrupt national stability, because it displays unverified content and is under investigation, pursuing information and complaints from numerous individuals," MCMC stated.

The Sarawak Report has published numerous statements that have affected Prime Minister Najib and the state-owned investment company 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Earlier, Prime Minister Najib had rejected allegations of embezzlement of public funds, calling them a political sabotage plot. The Malaysian Prime Minister asserted that he never used funds for personal purposes.

Channel NewsAsia reported that an investigation revealed some internet providers were still allowing access to Sarawak Report while others displayed an error message: "This website is not available in Malaysia because it violates national laws."

Meanwhile, Sarawak Report stated on Facebook that it would not be affected by MCMC's action.

"This is a blatant attempt at censorship to prevent our reporting on the massive corruption scandal through the 1MDB fund, including information related to $700 million from 1MDB flowing into the Prime Minister's personal AmBank account," the Sarawak Report alleged.

(According to CNA/TTO)