Malaysia's domain registration system is revamped

Due to an influx of domain name registrants in Malaysia, the Malaysian Network Information Centre (MYNIC) has launched its Reseller Programme, designed to speed up the registration process.

The MYNIC has been the only organization administering the '.my' country-code top-level domain since 1987. Under the new programme, registrants of '.com.my', '.net.my' and '.org.my' domain names can no longer register with the MYNIC directly. Instead, they must register with one of nine appointed resellers. (The registration of other domain names such as '.gov.my' and 'edu.my' remains the MYNIC's responsibility however). Registrants may also pay their registration and renewal fees via the resellers.

All resellers must abide by the MYNIC's registration rules and policies, such as the following:

• The registration of domain names is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
  
• A registrant does not own the registered name.
  
  
• Disputes between parties over the rights to use domain names are to be settled in accordance with the Rules for Arbitration of the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre of Arbitration.
  
  
• Domain names may not infringe any registered or unregistered trademarks in Malaysia.
  
  
• Domain names may not be scandalous, indecent, obscene or offensive.
  
  
• The registration and use of domain names may not be for an illegal purpose.

Karen Abraham, Shearn Delamore & Co, Kuala Lumpur