Telcos must provide services as promised or face fines - minister

 

Telecommunication companies will be fined if they fail to provide services as promised to consumers, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa.

He said the laws under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) require each telco to implement the minimum standards that had been set.

He said if they do not meet the minimum standards, the MCMC has the authority to issue a warning to the company involved, including imposing a fine.

"In fact, MCMC now often goes down to the ground to look into the people's problems and grievances, either through information or complaints received directly or indirectly, including those which go viral on social media,” Annuar (above) said.

He told reporters this after the launching of the Learning From Home for Higher Educational Institute Programme at the Kota Bharu Polytechnic (PKB) in Kok Lanas, Kelantan today.

The launch was also attended by YTL Communications CEO Wing K Lee and PKB director Rosli Idris.

Elaborating, Annuar said his ministry also created the National Digital Network (Jendela) Map portal as a platform for people to lodge complaints regarding coverage, broadband speed, and others.

“In order to obtain quick information on which areas are affected, we have created the Jendela Map portal where the MCMC can conduct daily monitoring and follow-up action, including repair works.

“We have also supplied equipment to all MCMC (branches) nationwide to carry out reviews and random measurement of the broadband speed of telcos.

“At least this will make sure they are constantly on their toes and ready to improve their quality of service,” he said.

He added that his ministry took a serious view of the matter since coverage involving telcos, including broadband, was a necessity for all levels of society.

He said the matter, including an act on telco services, will be tabled in Parliament for the improvement and tightening of existing laws so they could be implemented more effectively.

“We do not want this matter to escape our attention. In fact, so far, some telcos have been fined.

“To improve telco services, including the quality of broadband services, we need to create a conducive ecosystem and get the cooperation of all parties,” he added.

- Bernama