THE Communications and Digital Ministry is looking into the possibility of reducing the prices of services offered by local telecommunications companies (telcos).

Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he has asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telcos to conduct a study to fulfil the people’s aspiration for cheaper telecommunications services.

“I am holding talks with MCMC and telcos to explore ways to reduce costs,” he said in the ALFA programme streamed on Nasional FM Facebook today.

“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.”

Also present was broadcasting director-general Che Roslan Che Daud.

Fahmi also said he is 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,” he said.

“So we have to move faster and as the minister responsible, I need to explore ways to help in this process.”

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 said.

Meanwhile, when speaking on the “Face to Face” programme on Traxx FM, Fahmi said the new administration under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is serious about tackling cybersecurity and data protection issues in the country.

He said he will hold 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,” he said.

“This is why I’m going to have engagements with Meta, TikTok and Twitter and online retailers to make sure that they move along with the times.

“They understand that this administration is serious about cybersecurity and data protection, and that they respond to local laws as well.” – Bernama, December 15, 2022.