The action of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in blocking the Sarawak Report portal can prevent the spread of malicious propaganda which could destabilise the nation, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"It not only blocks but can also take legal action and impose a heavy penalty under the Sedition Act, Penal Code and the MCMC Act," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Yesterday, the MCMC in a statement said it decided to block The Sarawak Report website which threatened national security.

He said the action was taken following information and complaints from the public that the website's contents were not verified and still under investigation.

Ismail Sabri who is also a member of the UMNO supreme council said the Malaysian Constitution ensured freedom of speech, but did not tolerate defamation, sedition, falsification of facts and treason to the country.

"Freedom is still subject to the law. I urge that action to uphold the law is immediately taken against social media users who violate it, regardless of their status," he said.

Earlier, a police report had been made alleging that The Sarawak Report had falsified facts about the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Following that, the police have set up a special task force to investigate
the report.