MCMC raided two locations over usage of non-certified communications equipment

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have conducted simultaneous raids in Butterworth in Penang and Ampang in Selangor over the usage of non-certified communications equipment. According to MCMC’s Head of Enforcement Division, Dato’ Mohd. Shafie Harun, the raids were conducted after receiving complaints and information from the members of the public.

The MCMC says that the usage non-certified communications equipment by the suspects have caused frequency disruption and it has affected communications service quality at the two locations. They have confiscated a cordless phone that was purchased online and a UHF TV antenna to assist in the investigation.

According to MCMC, both cases are investigated under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 which carries a maximum fine of RM100,000 or imprisonment up to six month, or both, if found guilty. From 2018 to April 2019, there have been 23 charges filed under the same provision involving offences for using non-certified communications equipment. A total fine amounting to RM165,000 has been issued during the period.

Dato’ Shafie has urged the public to only buy and use communication devices that are certified by MCMC. Apart from cordless phones and UHF TV antennas, the public should be vigilant when buying other forms of communications equipment which include myFreeview Digital TV decoders and Android TV box. Some of these devices are not certified and are currently sold online and in retail outlets.

You can check if your current wireless equipment is certified by the MCMC via this link. According to the regulator’s website, using non-SIRIM certified products can be unsafe and there’s a risk that it may be a counterfeit or cloned product. Other risks include causing interference to other wireless products and it can also degrade the quality of service from communications service providers.

The MCMC label can appear as a sticker and on most modern smartphones, it could be a digital copy under your device’s settings page as shown above. Alternatively, you can also check if your devices are compatible by downloading the MCMC’s Check Your Label app.