Communications Minister tables bill to expand universal service framework with national security provisions under Act 588
KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2026, which aims to strengthen the universal service framework by incorporating national security considerations, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, when tabling the Bill, said it would be presented for second reading during the current parliamentary meeting.
According to the Bill, the proposed amendments involve Section 202 of the principal Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), with Subclause 2(a) seeking to introduce new subsections 202(1A) and 202(1B).
The amendments would empower the Minister to direct the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to support national universal service provision initiatives relating to the usage of network services or application services, or both, where such initiatives are deemed necessary in the interest of national security.
The proposed provisions also allow for initiatives such as encouraging the installation of network facilities and the provision of network or application services to safeguard national security, where determination on national security matters would be made by the National Security Council under Section 4 of the National Security Council Act 2016.
This additional category is to create a more comprehensive universal service provision framework, considering the evolution of the communications and multimedia industry, the advancement of technology and the needs of the country from a security aspect.
The proposed subsection 202(1b) seeks to provide that any national universal service provision initiative shall be consistent with the objects of Act 588.
Under Subclause 2(b), amendments to Section 202(2) would also enable the Minister to make regulations under Section 16 of Act 588 relating to national universal service initiatives.
This Bill will not involve the Government in any extra financial expenditure.
