Kuala lumpur: The use of uncertified walkie-talkies poses significant risks to critical communication services in the nation, including those vital to security forces, emergency services, and aviation and maritime radionavigation systems, as stated in the Dewan Rakyat today. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that non-compliant walkie-talkie equipment could lead to harmful interference and also present safety risks such as electric shock and fire hazards, particularly during charging.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Teo urged all parties to obtain certification for communication equipment from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). She highlighted the importance of compliance with prescribed technical codes and standards, which align with international practices, covering aspects like electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, interoperability, and radio frequency use.
Addressing concerns raised by Tan Hong Pin (Bakri-PH) about alleged unfairness in MCMC's certification system, Teo clarified that the certification process is a technical safeguard for national security, not a bureaucratic hurdle. Enforcement statistics reveal that between 2021 and 2025, MCMC seized 314 walkie-talkie units worth RM24,682 and investigated 74 cases for violations of Section 239 of Act 588. Of these, 28 cases resulted in court convictions with fines totaling RM243,500, and two cases were compounded at RM1,000 each.
Teo also mentioned that MCMC, in collaboration with SIRIM Berhad, conducts market surveillance, including direct purchases from physical and online platforms for compliance verification. Legal action under Section 239 of Act 588 for breaches of technical standards can result in fines up to RM1 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Offences under Regulation 16 of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 may incur fines up to RM300,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
From 2022 to 2025, MCMC issued 112 takedown notices to e-commerce platforms, leading to the removal of 21,151 links selling uncertified communication equipment, including 3,175 links for walkie-talkies. Teo warned that the government would not hesitate to take legal action against e-commerce platform operators who repeatedly fail to act on issued notices.