Two e-hailing drivers fined RM20,000 each for using uncertified GSM Gateway equipment that caused major Maxis network disruptions
KUALA LUMPUR: Two e-hailing drivers were each fined RM20,000 by the Sessions Court here today for using uncertified communication equipment that disrupted a telecommunications network.
Judge Suhaila Haron imposed the sentence on Dennelson Mawon, 32, and Loke Choo Seong, 35, after they pleaded guilty to two charges each.
The court also ordered both accused to serve three months in jail if they failed to pay the fine, which they subsequently paid.
Dennelson was charged with using a GSM Gateway unit that was not certified under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
The offence occurred in a car beside the Kajang-Cheras Highway in front of a shopping mall in Cheras at 11.20 am on June 20, 2024.
He faced a second charge for using the same apparatus to cause major electromagnetic interference, disrupting a telecommunications company’s network services.
Loke was charged with abetting Dennelson for the offences under Section 109 of the Penal Code.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) prosecuting officer Nadzirah Idris requested a commensurate sentence, noting communication links are critically important.
“Both accused used GSM Gateway apparatus which caused major electromagnetic interference causing the quality of Maxis services to be disrupted,” he said.
This resulted in users receiving 2G signals in 4G areas, spam messages, dropped calls, and inability to surf the internet.
Lawyer Shameera Abdul Hamid requested only a fine, citing her clients’ clean records and cooperation with MCMC.
She also noted both men are single and supporting families. – Bernama
