Consumers association wants govt to discipline telcos

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) has urged the government to discipline telecommunications companies (telcos) so that consumers are not burdened with excessive charges.

“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) must closely monitor telecommunications companies so that users don’t have to pay for unnecessary services,” said PPIM in a statement here yesterday.

Based on complaints received, telecommunication charges are among the top household spending by Malaysians contributing from five to 20 percent of income or salary.

PPIM welcomed the suggestion by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek that telecommunications charges be reduced due to a decline in the cost of installing fibre optic lines as follow-up to the drop in world oil prices.

PPIM had suggested the establishment of a body or commission to control unreasonable charges levied on the users, including telecommunications charges.

It also suggested that MCMC create a calibration mechanism which will be monitored and verified by the Weights and Measures Act or the Telecommunications Act; and cancel hidden services and applications with hidden charges.

“We hope the minister takes this matter seriously and users don’t have to launch a boycott after being bullied for so long,” said the statement.

MCMC in a statement on February 16, said they would review the retail rate of telecommunications services in order to reduce the burden on the people.

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Halim Shafie said MCMC would cooperate with industry players to develop affordable broadband internet packages for the people’s benefit. – Bernama