Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 November 1998 |
| Preceding agency |
|
| Headquarters | MCMC Tower 1, Jalan Impact, Cyber 6, 63000, Cyberjaya, Selangor. |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent agency | Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia |
| Website |
www |
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Abbreviation: MCMC; Malay: Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia ) is a regulatory body and its key role is the regulation of the communications and multimedia industry based on the powers provided for in the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act (1998),[1] the Communications and Multimedia Act (1998),[2] and the Strategic Trade Act (2010).[3] Pursuant to these Acts, its role is also to implement and promote the Government's national policy objectives for the communications and multimedia sector. MCMC is also charged with overseeing the new regulatory framework for the converging telecommunications and broadcasting industries and online activities. In 2001, MCMC's role was expanded to include overseeing the postal service sector pursuant to the Postal Services Act 1991 and licensing of the Certification Authorities under the Digital Signature Act 1997.
Primary functions of the MCMC are as follows:
- Advise the Minister on all matters concerning the national policy objectives for communications and multimedia activities;
- Implement and enforce the provisions of the communications and multimedia law;
- Regulate all matters relating to communications and multimedia activities not provided for in the communications and multimedia law;
- Consider and recommend reforms to the communications and multimedia law;
- Supervise and monitor communications and multimedia activities;
- Encourage and promote the development of the communications and multimedia industry;
- Encourage and promote self-regulation in the communications and multimedia industry;
- Promote and maintain the integrity of all persons licensed or otherwise authorised under the communications and multimedia industry;
- Render assistance in any form to, and to promote co-operation and co-ordination amongst, persons engaged in communications and multimedia activities.
- Carry out any function under any written law as may be prescribed by the Minister by notification published in the Gazette.
Commission members
- Dato' Sri Dr Halim Shafie, Chairman
- Dato' Sri Dr. Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad, Commission Members Representing the Government
- Tan Sri Dr. Madinah Mohamad, Commission Members Representing the Government
- Dato' Mohid Mohamed, Commission Members Representing the Government
- Datuk Watson Peters, Non-Governmental Commission Members
- Mohamed Hasnan Che Hussin, Non-Governmental Commission Members
- YBhg. Datuk Hj. Md Afendi b. Datuk Hj. Hamdan, Non-Governmental Commission Members
- YBhg. Dr. Abang Azhari bin Abang Hadari, Non-Governmental Commission Members
National Broadband Initiative (NBI)
The National Broadband Implementation Strategy or better known as National Broadband Initiative (Malaysia) National Broadband Initiative (NBI) puts in place a national strategy that will bring broadband to the whole nation. In 2007, the Government of Malaysia set its target to achieve 50% household broadband penetration by the end of 2010.A strategy was identified that would encompass both the supply and demand aspects of broadband. On the supply aspect, broadband infrastructure and services will be rolled out throughout the country. The delivery of services will be through wired and wireless connectivity, while the existing broadband and cellular coverage expanded under the Universal Service Provision (USP) initiative. For the high economic impact areas, the current broadband services will be upgraded to provide higher speed of more than 10Mbit/s. The Government signed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) to roll out high-speed broadband infrastructure at selected areas. The project is called the High Speed Broadband (HSBB) Project. Understanding that supply alone is insufficient, an effective strategy was implemented to encourage demand with the emphasis on Awareness, Attractiveness and Affordability. The approach for creating awareness will be through continuous government and private sector involvement in the awareness programs and capacity building initiatives. To improve the attractiveness of online content, efforts will be focused to enhance and promote e-Government, e-Education and e-Commerce. Efforts are also underway to digitise the traditional information resources such as libraries and archives, etc. and have them available online. Various incentives to reduce broadband access costs and widen community access are being developed to bridge the digital divide.
Benefits:
- The implementation of broadband will create a tangible impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution of the country. Based on the statistics for year 2008, the communications and multimedia industry contributed 6.1% in terms of revenue to the country's GDP.
- The use of broadband will increase the national competitiveness and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the country.
- Broadband is one of the enabler for knowledge-based economy and will create 135,000 new high value jobs in the ICT sector.
- The implementation of broadband services will create a spin-off effect in other sectors such as engineering, local content development and broadcasting.
Universal Service Provision (USP)
Pursuant to Section 202 (1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the Minister may direct the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to determine a system to promote the widespread availability and use of network services and or applications services throughout Malaysia by encouraging the installation of network facilities and the provision of services in underserved areas or for underserved groups within the community.[4] The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission has issued the Commission Determination on Universal Service Provision,[5] Determination No.2 of 2001 and Commission Determination on Universal Service Provision,[6] Determination No. 6 of 2002 which focus, among others, on provision of services to universal service targets and requirement for contribution to USP fund. On 30 October 2003, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission issued the Variation to Commission Determination of Universal Service Provision (Determination No. 6 of 2002),[7] Variation No. 1 of 2003 to reflect the amendments in the Commission Determination on Universal Service Provision, Determination No. 6 of 2002.
"Underserved areas" are defined as "areas where the penetration rate for Public Switch Telephony Network (PSTN) subscribers is 20% below the national penetration rate or any locality where, in the opinion of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, applications services are not sufficiently available to the community at large, while underserved groups are groups of people who by similar characteristics do not have access to basic communication services."
Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI)
The Alliance for Affordable Internet is a coalition of private sector, public sector, and not-for-profit organisations who have come together to advance the shared aim of affordable access to both mobile and fixed-line Internet in developing countries. The World Wide Web Foundation serves as the secretariat for the Alliance. The primary goal is to see the UN Broadband Commission Broadband Target of entry-level broadband services priced at less than 5% of average monthly income realised. Malaysia tops the list of 46 countries, in particular emerging economies, on the Affordability Index followed by Mauritius and Brazil. The internet access price that reach majority of the people was the result of the success of National Broadband Initiative (NBI), application of technology advancement along with progressive policy and regulatory framework.[8]
Programmes and initiatives
- Click Wisely (Klik Dengan Bijak). The rapid development of communications and multimedia technology, as well as the positive growth of broadband penetration throughout the country may have an untoward affect on the Malaysian values and culture if immediate steps are not taken to nurture positive internet use based on the country's Rukun Negara (National Principles). The worrisome rise in cybercrime would be best mitigated and reduced through enforcement activities and educational-based approach for the masses. Among the proactive actions taken by MCMC is initiating a Public Awareness on Internet Safety Campaign called Klik dengan Bijak ("Click Wisely") which stresses on safety, security and responsibility of internet users.
- 1Malaysia Netbooks. MCMC through the Universal Service Provision (USP) programme has allocated one million 1Malaysia netbooks to be distributed to eligible recipients such as secondary school and university students from lower-income groups to ensure that they have the opportunity to access the internet and also to increase broadband usage throughout the country. This will contribute to the nation's broadband penetration rate as well as extend the benefits of broadband to students and the nation.
- Wireless Village (Kampung Tanpa Wayar). Wireless Village initiative was inspired by YB Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, as part of ongoing initiatives by MCMC towards realising the USP objectives as outlined under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, USP Regulations 2002 (the Regulations) i.e. provisioning of collective and individual access to Internet access service in underserved areas.
- U-Library (U-Pustaka). The role of u-Pustaka in the context of development, national unity and global competitiveness is crucial. It is an innovative information and knowledge delivery service which also promotes lifelong learning experiences at anytime and anywhere to enhance the quality of work and quality of life on an ongoing basis.
- Youth Communication Package (Pakej Komunikasi Belia). Youths aged 21 to 30 able to apply for the RM200 rebate off selected 3G smartphones from celco nominated registered dealers. The Youth Communication Package (YCP) (or Pakej Komunikasi Belia (PKB)) scheme is on a first-come-first served basis and will be for the first 1.5 million eligible youths who may claim their smartphones while stocks last.
- 1Malaysia Internet Centre (Pusat Internet 1Malaysia). 1Malaysia Internet Centre is an ongoing initiative to help increase the socio economic state of undeserved groups within the community by providing network services and applications services in underserved areas.
- Get Malaysian Business Online. Announced in Budget 2013, the Get Malaysian Business Online grant is offered on a first-come-first-served basis for up to 50,000 businesses, and ends when the limit is reached or on 31 December 2013. The grant is meant for companies earning not more than RM200,000 a year with less than 10 employees, to help increase earnings of local businesses.
References
- ↑ "Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 (Act 598)" (PDF). Laws of Malaysia. Attorney's General Chambers of Malaysia. 2006. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
- ↑ "Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 (Act 588)" (PDF). Laws of Malaysia. Attorney's General Chambers of Malaysia. 2006. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
- ↑ "Strategic Trade Act 2010 (Act 708)" (PDF). Atomic Energy Licensing Board. 2006. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
- ↑ "Universal Service Provision". Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
- ↑ "Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Ministerial Direction on Universal Service Provision)" (PDF). Minister of Energy, Communications and Multimedia, Malaysia. Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. 23 March 2001. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
- ↑ "Report on a Public Inquiry under Section 55 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, 1998 on a System of Universal Provision" (PDF). Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. 12 March 2001. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
- ↑ "Variation to Commission Determination on Universal Service Provision (Determination No. 6 of 2002)" (PDF). Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. 30 October 2003. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
- ↑ "The Affordability Report" (PDF). Alliance for Affordable Internet. 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
Notes
Get Malaysian Business Online (GMBO)
Click Wisely (Klik Dengan Bijak)
1Malaysia Netbook Programme
Youth Communication Package (Pakej Komunikasi Belia)
U-Library (U-Pustaka)
1Malaysia Internet Centre (Pusat Internet 1Malaysia)
Alliance for Affordable Internet
National Broadband Initiative
