MCMC to discuss with telcos to reduce service charge

The Communications and Multimedia Ministry through the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will discuss with telecommunication companies (telcos) to have them reduce their current service charge.

Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said they would also make a structural review of the payment for broadband service because the cost for the installation of the fibre optic line had declined following the drop in global oil price.

"We want to see Malaysia become the benchmark for ASEAN countries in terms of price structure and services compared to other countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia," he told reporters after the distribution of 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) to 1,500 recipients in Cukai state constituency here Saturday.

The minister said broadband service was a catalyst for the country to become more competitive in every field compared to other countries.

"That is why we are asking for a more effective measure to the taken to ensure that the service could be enjoyed by the people from all walks of life and, at the same time, lure more foreign investors to invest in the country," he said.

Ahmad Shabery said telcos in the country should provide the best service in term of broadband penetration because at this moment, the customers had been lamented that they did not get value for money broadband quality and coverage.

As such, he said he would also ask the MCMC to list out telcos and their services so that the customers could make comparison and subscribe to the best service provider.