The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is preparing to take action against telecommunications companies that failed to meet the deadline to submit solutions for poor internet access issues. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said he had instructed MCMC executive chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din to ensure the companies involved respond without delay.
The minister had previously given all telcos until 5pm yesterday to provide proposals addressing the widespread internet quality concerns, warning of stern action for non-compliance. It remains unclear whether the companies have responded.
Speaking after a visit to the National Information Dissemination Centre in Air Kuning yesterday, Fahmi criticised the telcos for their lack of urgency. He added that poor internet access was not limited to Air Kuning but also affected areas such as Belaga and Ulu Rajang in Sarawak, the new township of Serenia in Selangor, the outskirts of Tambun, and Pangkor Island in Perak.
“Telecommunication companies need to be more proactive in resolving this issue,” he said. “When it comes to collecting overdue bills, they’re lightning fast, but when we lodge complaints, it takes months.”
According to Fahmi, a drive test conducted by MCMC on 5 March revealed that many areas across the country still failed to meet the Mandatory Standards on Quality of Service, which currently require a minimum download speed of 7.5Mbps. The standard is set to be raised to 10Mbps next year.
Fahmi warned that telcos failing to resolve these issues could face stricter enforcement measures. Under amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act that came into effect on 11 February, penalties and fines that can be imposed are now significantly higher and could reach millions of ringgit.
