MCMC cannot block websites of online taxi operators - Jailani

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) cannot block websites of online taxi operators because they do not break the communication law.

Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Jailani Johari said they cannot act against taxi drivers because it is not their responsibility.

"We have no problem with online taxi operators except for unlicensed taxi drivers. It is between taxi drivers and Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD). It has nothing to do with us except if they (SPAD) want us to block the websites of online taxi operators. What is the basis for this?

"Blocking the websites may open us to legal action since telecommunication companies have agreements with their customers," he told Bernama after winding up the Supply Bill (Ministry of Communications and Multimedia) in Dewan Rakyat here, today.

SPAD has not urged MCMC to block the websites of online taxi operators, said Jailani responding to query from members of parliament about online taxi services which have disrupted the livelihood of taxi drivers.

Replying to a question from Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh), he said notice to block nine local and foreign websites had been issued.

"The websites can abuse the Twitter account of other people by writing false tweets. The block notices has been issued to the internet service providers."

Jailani told Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang) that the RM5 fee for printed Telekom Malaysia (TM) bills will only be charged in Jan 2016.

"The fee is charged to encourage customers to use online billing. It is only for customers having broadband internet such as Streamyx and Unifi. Customers who subscribe to telephone service only will continue to receive the printed bill as usual," he added.

More than 180,000 TM customers have registered for online billing.