Communications Ministry gets nod to review CMA - Fahmi

 

The cabinet has principally agreed to allow a study to review and improve the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, said Fahmi Fadzil.

Speaking to the press today, the communications minister said the proposed amendments to the act will see higher penalties on industry players who have committed offences.

This, he said, was aimed at enhancing the quality of services for consumers.

“The ministry will study aspects such as technical and the value (of the penalty) that can be further enhanced.

"For example, we received complaints on the delay in delivery of services by the telecommunications and we want to address that," Fahmi said during the post-cabinet press conference held at the Communications Ministry in Putrajaya today.

Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, explained that the review of the act will mainly concentrate on matters pertaining to the telecommunication industry, with emphasis on technical issues and penalties for violation of standards.

“The telecommunications industry, as a whole, has witnessed tremendous development since the act was enacted in 1998.

“Quite a long time has passed, so we need to review it again.

“For instance, Section 233 of the act will also be reviewed as many MPs have expressed their firm views on it but at the same time, opine whether the act is strong enough or otherwise.”

Fahmi added that his ministry will engage with numerous stakeholders, including those from the telecommunication industry to look at the aspects that may require improvement in the said act.