TAPAH: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has given all telecommunication companies until 5pm today (Sunday) to submit concrete solutions to ongoing nationwide internet access issues or face firm enforcement action.
Speaking during a visit to the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) in Air Kuning, Perak, Fahmi said he had instructed Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) executive chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din to ensure telcos respond promptly to complaints of poor connectivity.
“Telcos are quick to act when it comes to collecting outstanding bills, but when it comes to addressing service complaints, it can take months. I’ve had enough,” said Fahmi.
“If no comprehensive and immediate solutions are submitted by 5pm today, MCMC will begin taking enforcement measures starting tomorrow.”
Also present were Perak Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi and Barisan Nasional candidate for the Ayer Kuning state by-election, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir.
Fahmi cited a drive test conducted by MCMC on 5 March, which revealed that many areas still fail to meet the Mandatory Standards on Quality of Service (MSQoS). The current minimum requirement of 7.5 Mbps will be increased to 10 Mbps in 2026.
He noted that the internet access problem is widespread and not limited to Air Kuning, listing other affected areas including Belaga and Ulu Rajang in Sarawak, the new township of Serenia, outskirts of Tambun, Pangkor Island, and several Orang Asli settlements.
Should telcos fail to resolve these issues, stricter enforcement – including heavier fines – will be imposed. Following amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act effective 11 February, penalties have significantly increased, with fines potentially reaching millions of ringgit.
Separately, Fahmi advised social media users to remain cautious when posting or campaigning online during the Ayer Kuning by-election period, particularly on sensitive 3R topics (race, religion, royalty).
“Individuals found guilty of posting extreme or 3R-related content may face fines up to RM500,000, compounds of up to RM250,000, or imprisonment. I urge all parties to campaign responsibly,” he said, adding that no complaints had been received so far.
When asked about Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters sharing caricatures mocking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Fahmi responded: “If that’s their style of campaigning, so be it. We prefer to campaign based on facts, ideas, and tangible offerings – not insults and mockery.”–BERNAMA
