MCMC considers regulatory intervention on set-top boxes

MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said:

CYBERJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is exploring regulatory intervention on Android TV boxes.

MCMC chairman Ishsal Ishak said the sale and ownership of set-top boxes with services that allow consumers to access pirated content is illegal in Malaysia.

“There are two ways of looking at it. MCMC is looking at the technical aspect of the boxes, for which they need to get Sirim approvals.

"With regard to the content, if there are elements of copyright infringement that would fall under Copyright Act,” he told reporters at the MCMC office on Tuesday.

He pointed out that the matter involved various ministries, including Domestic Trade and Industry.

MCMC network security and enforcement sector chief Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin said some set-up boxes are already deemed illegal in Malaysia as they don't meet certain technical requirements.

“Nonetheless, piracy is a big issue. As such we are organising a workshop next month to get specific solutions.

“It could also explore regulatory intervention or working with the manufacturers to prevent the downloading of certain content,” he explained.

Earlier this month, Singapore’s Law Ministry said it was proposing a ban on the sale of set-top boxes or media streaming boxes with services that allow consumers access to pirated content.

According to reports, it is among proposed changes to the country’s Copyright Act to be tabled in Parliament this year.

The amendments are the result of a three-year review and follows consultation with Singapore’s Intellectual Property Office, content providers, pay-TV operators, and the public; and will introduce civil and criminal liabilities.