MCMC actively monitors service providers like Astro to ensure contract clarity, with non-compliance risking fines up to RM100,000 or imprisonment.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is actively monitoring service providers, including Astro, to ensure they meet transparency standards.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said this enforcement is carried out under the General Consumer Code 2022.
The code obliges providers to inform subscribers of all terms and conditions before finalising any agreement.
“This covers both consumer obligations and the implications of non-compliance,” he told the Dewan Negara.
He was responding to a question from Senator Azahar Hassan regarding steps to ensure Astro’s transparency before contracts are signed by small traders.
Fahmi said non-compliance could lead to prosecution under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Penalties include up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM100,000, or both.
He stressed that consumers also bear responsibility to exercise due diligence before subscribing.
This includes understanding the commitment period, usage limits, and consequences of early termination.
On whether the ministry would direct Astro to issue warnings before legal action, Fahmi said such a move is a commercial decision.
He explained that Astro offers a commercial package for business premises and a residential package for private use.
The prohibition of using the residential package commercially is detailed in clause 3.7 of its terms.
Responding to a question on local content quotas, Fahmi clarified the government no longer mandates such quotas for new broadcast licences.
“This policy matter arose in discussions during the Asean Reciprocal Trading Agreement,” he said.
