MCMC may fine Celcom Axiata, U Mobile and Digi up to RM200k for failing to meet broadband standards

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has served Celcom Axiata, U Mobile, and Digi Telecommunications each a commission directive for failing to meet broadband service standards in the country. MCMC also said that the telcos failed to meet broadband service standards at a few locations identified in Langkawi, including Langkawi Highway and a few tourist destinations. The telcos can be fined up to RM200,000 in accordance with Section 109 of the Communications and Multimedia Act if they fail to follow through with the directive.

This follows a nationwide technical audit in 3,038 locations across Malaysia’s 13 state and three federal territories after being prompted by the minister of multimedia and communication Annuar Musa. The locations were picked based on complaints received by the MCMC from Malaysians.

The directives require the telcos to improve the quality of their service and user experience in accordance with MCMC’s Mandatory Standards for Quality of Service which encompasses the minimum standards for customer service and service quality standards for telecommunication networks.

MCMC further added that the auditing process is a routine that it will regularly carry out to regulate the quality and integrity of the services provided by telcos and internet service providers. From 2021, MCMC has made improvements to its offices by increasing the number of its auditing teams, from six teams to 14 teams.

On 16 June, Annuar had come out with a statement regarding the situation. He had urged MCMC to conduct audits on telcos in Malaysia, as they reportedly make the most profits. He urged MCMC to come up with its own countrywide mapping instead of relying on reports given by the telcos. The video can be seen on Musa’s Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/AnnuarMusa/status/1537280230485700609

Separately, just a week ago, MCMC and the Royal Malaysian Police investigated the acts of individuals who have uploaded content considered to be "indecent" and "offensive" on TikTok and Instagram. According to MCMC, these individuals comprise celebrities and founders of beauty products. MCMC’s statement advised people, especially celebrities, to be wiser and more responsible when uploading content online, urging them to abide by Malaysian laws.

Meanwhile, last June, MCMC partnered up with 15 telcos to educate consumers to identify fraudulent activities and steps that can be taken to prevent the increasing number of fraudulent attempts in a campaign titled Telecommunication Crime Prevention Awareness Campaign. According to MCMC, the campaign was a way to monitor and enforce actions carried out in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police. 

Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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