MCMC slaps Maxis with RM3.3 mil fine for 68 violations in Q1 2021

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a total of 77 compounds in the first quarter of 2021 amounting to RM3.7 million under the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998. Maxis is the biggest offender this quarter raking up a total of 68 compounds worth RM3.3 million.

According to the breakdown, Maxis was issued 67 compounds valued at RM3,250,000 in total for its failure to comply with the Numbering and Electronic Addressing Plan (NEAP) under the Communications and Multimedia (Numbering) Regulations 2016. The green telco was also issued a RM50,000 compound for failing to comply with the Guidelines on Registration of End-Users of Prepaid Public Cellular Services.

Apart from Maxis, other telco and licensed providers were also issued compounds for other offences. U Mobile received 7 compounds worth RM350,000 for failing to comply with prepaid registration guidelines.

Meanwhile both Sistem Television Malaysia Berhad and Berita Nasional Malaysia (BERNAMA) were issued a compound – RM40,000 and RM20,000 respectively, for not complying with the Content Applications Service Provider guidelines.

According to the MCMC, they are taking action in ensuring that all telecommunications providers will prioritise consumer rights including the the ability for consumers to choose their preferred providers. This is inline with the Consumer First pledge that was made by the telco CEOs in June 2019.

The detailed violations committed by Maxis for failing to comply with the Numbering and Electronic Addressing Plan aren’t mentioned in the press statement issued by the MCMC. The NEAP covers a wide range of areas including assignment, transfer, suspension, cancellation of numbers as well as Mobile Number Portability.

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