IPOH, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- Cybercafes are now required to register customers using their Internet facilities to check irresponsible elements from indulging in cyber rumour-mongering, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Ting Chew Peh said today. His ministry had issued circulars on this requirement, which came into force early this month, to state governments, Ting told reporters after visiting the common market at Simpang Pulai near here.

The ministry had received complaints alleging cybercafes being misused to spread seditious and defamatory allegations against individuals and the government which could undermine national unity, he said.

Ting said the problem had to be dealt with urgently as police had difficulty in detecting cyber rumour-mongering since cybercafe operators did not normally register customers as there was no ruling requiring them to do so.

He said the Home Ministry had recently asked for his ministry's cooperation to require local authorities to impose new conditions when approving licences for cybercafe premises, including registering customers' name, identity card number and address.

Ting added that cybercafes intending to renew their licences would have to provide customers' register books as a pre -condition. -- BERNAMA