The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has blocked 1,074 pornography websites for violating the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said a total of 106 more sites would be blocked for the same offence.

He said the restriction was part of MCMC's continuous efforts in preserving the noble values possessed by people of various ethnics and religions in the country.

"It is important for the MCMC to take action as this is the root cause of social problems in our country," he told reporters at the Deepavali Open House organised by the Sabah MIC Liaison Body at Dewan Serbaguna of the Likas Sports Complex, near here today.

Salleh also advised the public to provide information on any websites that were spreading obscene content to the MCMC at [email protected] (http://aduan.skmm.gov.my).

In a related development, he said the MCMC would also take similar action against gambling websites in the country.

"We will combat this issue with the cooperation of all parties. The MCMC will act with other agencies involved including the police and what's important is this issue should be given due attention," he said.

Regarding the event, he hoped that such celebration would display the strong relations between all races, thus fostering mutual respect among the various races towards the maintenance of peace and harmony of this country.

"I hope the people of this country can live in harmony based on tolerance which is an important element in a plural society like in Malaysia," he said, adding that it was in line with 1Malaysia concept.

He also called on the mutli-racial society in the country to find the similarities in order to strengthen the bonds of unity.

"If there are differences, we have to look it based on our own way, we can not be swayed by external means which are not in line with our culture. This is mportant to continue to maintain the stability of the country from various aspects," he said.