Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 is set to bolster the commission's role, governance, and operations in regulating the country's communications and multimedia industry, as stated in the Dewan Rakyat today. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized the necessity of these amendments to address the rapid industry developments and challenges, while enhancing MCMC's influence in the sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposed amendments to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 (Act 589) include clarifying MCMC's functions in developing infrastructure and platform standards. This aims to promote interoperability and foster growth in the communications and multimedia industry and the broader Malaysian economy. The amendments will also address the security, protection, integrity, and resilience of information assets and communications networks, along with empowering MCMC to audit licensees and service providers related to communications systems.
The bill introduces Clause 10, which adds a new Section 18A to Act 589. This section will cover the registration of ministerial directions and the maintenance of a register in both physical and electronic formats. Teo highlighted the importance of these changes in strengthening MCMC's operations, particularly in auditing information and activities of licensees and service providers, aligning with the audit powers under Sections 73A and 73B of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
Additionally, the amendments propose changes to the financial framework, including the payment of financial penalties into the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Fund for offences such as non-compliance with standards and industry codes under Act 588. The bill also seeks to empower MCMC to disseminate information about offences under the communications and multimedia laws as a deterrent measure.
The financial limit on contracts MCMC can enter into without Finance Ministry approval is set to increase from RM5 million to RM50 million, reflecting the rising contract values involving MCMC and aligning with Treasury Circular regulations. Clause 16 introduces Section 53A, empowering MCMC to publish information on civil or criminal proceedings and issued compounds.
Furthermore, the amendments propose altering MCMC's composition by increasing the maximum number of non-federal government representatives to seven, thus expanding the commission's membership from nine to eleven. It also specifies that the secretary-general of the relevant ministry will serve as an ex officio federal government representative, and prohibits the MCMC chairman from holding positions as a Member of Parliament or state assemblyman to maintain independence.