Air Kuning: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has issued a deadline for all telecommunication companies to present solutions to the ongoing problem of inadequate Internet access across the nation by 5 pm today. Failure to comply will result in strict enforcement actions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi had a conversation with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) executive chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din earlier today, instructing the involved telecommunication companies to address the complaints about weak coverage promptly. Fahmi expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, noting the swift actions by these companies in bill collection compared to their slow response in resolving service issues. He warned that if the companies do not provide quick and concrete solutions by the deadline, MCMC will initiate enforcement actions against them starting tomorrow.
Accompanying Fahmi during his visit to the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Air Kuning were Perak Communications, Multimedia and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi and Barisan Nasional candidate for the Ayer Kuning state by-election, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir. Fahmi highlighted that a drive test conducted by MCMC on March 5 revealed that many areas fail to meet the Mandatory Standards on Quality of Service (MSQoS), which currently require a minimum speed of 7.5 Mbps and is set to increase to 10 Mbps next year. The issue affects multiple locations, including Air Kuning, Belaga, Ulu Rajang, Serenia, Tambun outskirts, Pangkor Island, and several Orang Asli villages.
Fahmi emphasized that if the telecommunication companies do not resolve these issues, they could face severe enforcement measures, including substantial fines and penalties reaching millions of ringgit. He noted that amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act, effective since February 11, have resulted in higher fines and compounds for non-compliance by telcos.
Additionally, Fahmi urged netizens to exercise caution when making statements or campaigning on social media, especially concerning race, religion, and royalty issues during the Ayer Kuning by-election period. He warned of significant fines, compounds, or imprisonment for individuals convicted of posting extreme or 3R-related content. Though no complaints have been reported yet, Fahmi anticipates an increase in campaign activities in the coming week.
When questioned about Perikatan Nasional supporters using caricatures to mock Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Fahmi remarked that while he was not surprised by such tactics, he preferred to focus on campaigning with facts, ideas, and constructive proposals rather than insults and ridicule.