Govt holding discussions with telcos to cut prices for consumers, says Fahmi

Fahmi said the government is committed to defend the right to freedom of speech. He added, however, it should never be used to point of defamation or making baseless accusations. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Digital Ministry is looking into the possibility of reducing the prices of services offered by local telecommunications companies.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil (pic) said he had asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the companies to conduct a study to fulfill the people’s aspiration for cheaper telecommunications services.

"I am holding talks with the MCMC and the companies to explore ways to reduce costs. Many young people are hoping that the prices for internet and lines can be reduced. So I have asked them to look into what we can do now.

"Maybe in the coming weeks I will have a special announcement to make,” he said when appearing on the Alfa programme streamed on Nasional FM's Facebook page on Thursday (Dec 15).

Also present was Broadcasting director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud.

Fahmi also said he was studying the best ways possible to improve the quality of services and resolve issues concerning 4G and 5G network reach in certain areas of the country.

"We are talking about 5G, (but) some countries have started discussing 6G. So we have to move faster and as the minister responsible I need to explore ways to help this process,” he added.

On another matter, Fahmi reminded content creators on various social media platforms to always respect the law when doing their work.

"There are limits. We respect the right to freedom of expression but we also need to uphold the law, as spelt out in the Rukun Negara. Supremacy of the Constitution; Rule of Law,” he added.

Meanwhile, when speaking on the ‘Face to Face’ programme on Traxx FM, Fahmi said the new administration under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was serious about tackling cyber security and data protection issues in the country.

Fahmi said he would organise meetings with social media providers and online retailers regarding the matter.

"Our personal data is unique to us. So once we have that understanding we will not be so easy to give away data.

"This is why I’m going to have engagement with Meta, TikTok and Twitter and online retailers to make sure that they move along with time. They understand that this administration is serious about cyber security, about data protection and that they respond to our local laws as well,” he added. – Bernama