KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) blocking the controversial Sugarbook website, its app remains available for download on the Google Play Store.
Checks by The Vibes revealed that while the app remains listed on the Google Play Store in Malaysia. It does not have an app on the Apple App Store.
The regulatory body’s actions in banning access to the website appears to have had little effect as the website developer has since set up a mirror site in its place to enable users to access the blocked web page.
Malaysiakini reported that, hours after the MCMC banned Sugarbook’s website, the dating service emailed users with instructions on how to circumvent the block.
It revealed that it had created an alternative link to the site, and also taught users how to use Domain Name System (DNS) to bypass the block.
Attempts to register as a “sugar daddy” on the website proved successful, with easy access granted.
Sugarbook was blocked by the MCMC following calls to ban the adult dating platform following its release of a controversial list of the top 10 universities in the country with the highest number of “sugar babies”.
Yesterday, the MCMC expressed concern about the recent marketing gimmick by Sugarbook, claiming that many Malaysian women, especially university students, have offered themselves as “sugar babies” on the app.
It was recently reported that Malaysia had the third-highest number of “sugar daddies” in Asia, behind India and Indonesia, on the sugar daddy-sugar baby dating platform.
The MCMC noted that, apart from Sugarbook, other apps also provide online dating services. MCMC also stated that it is monitoring and investigating Sugarbook and will take action against its users and platform-owners should they violate the law.
Sugarbook specialises in matching “sugar daddies” to “sugar babies” or “sugar mummies”, referring to older and generally more well-off men soliciting dates with young or older women through an agreement involving gifts or financial arrangements.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary had called for the website to be blocked and stern action taken against those involved, especially those behind the creation of the app.
Earlier, National Students Consultative Council president Muhammad Amir Asyraf Mohd Sabri had claimed that 12,705 tertiary institution students are registered with the Sugarbook app.
He also said the app has seen a more than 40% increase in new users in recent months. – The Vibes, February 16, 2021
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