MCMC ACTIVELY MONITORS SERVICE PROVIDERS' SUBSCRIBER CONTRACTS – FAHMI

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Negara was informed today that the Ministry of Communications, via the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is actively monitoring service providers, including Astro, to ensure they meet information transparency and clarity standards.

Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said this monitoring is enforced under the General Consumer Code (GCC) 2022, which obliges service providers to inform subscribers of all terms and conditions before finalising any agreement.

“This covers both consumer obligations and the implications of non-compliance,” he said in response to a question from Senator Azahar Hassan regarding steps to ensure Astro’s transparency prior to contracts being signed by small traders.

Fahmi said non-compliance with the GCC could lead to prosecution under Section 242 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM100,000, or both.

He further stressed that consumers also bear the responsibility to exercise due diligence before subscribing, which includes understanding the commitment period, usage limits, additional charges, service coverage and the consequences of early termination.

As to whether the Ministry is prepared to direct Astro to issue a warning notice before taking legal action against small traders unaware of their commercial broadcast status, Fahmi explained that any such move is a commercial decision based on the terms of the contract.

“Astro offers two main subscription packages: a commercial package for business premises with public viewing rights, and a residential package for private, in-home viewing only.

“The prohibition of using the residential package in commercial premises is detailed in clause 3.7 of Astro's residential terms and conditions,” he explained.

In response to a supplementary question from Azahar about MCMC's oversight of Astro’s local content contributions and job creation in the creative sector, Fahmi clarified that the government no longer mandates such quotas for new broadcast licences. 

“This policy matter arose in discussions during the Asean Reciprocal Trading Agreement (ART). I wish to clarify that these quotas no longer apply to newly issued licences,” he said.

-- BERNAMA