Government tightens oversight on telcos failing rural coverage standards

THE government is stepping up monitoring efforts on telecommunications companies that fail to provide satisfactory coverage, particularly in rural areas, with enforcement measures that include legal and financial penalties.

In a written reply to Parliament today, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching told Parliament on Monday that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) actively monitors the quality of service delivered by telecommunications providers to ensure nationwide compliance, including underserved regions.

“MCMC conducts periodic audits across the country to ensure ongoing adherence to the Mandatory Standards for Quality of Service (MSQoS),” Teo said. “Audit locations are selected based on user complaints and public speed test data which highlight areas falling below the required standards.”

According to 2024 data, 268 Commission Directives were issued under subsection 51(2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588], covering 219 non-compliant locations. Providers were instructed to carry out quality improvements at the affected sites.

From 1 January to 31 July 2025, MCMC conducted 2,781 quality tests nationwide. These identified 1,684 instances of MSQoS non-compliance across 815 locations.

Of these, 462 were successfully resolved, while 1,222 are still under evaluation due to the need for infrastructure upgrades or new tower construction, both of which require extended timelines.

“MCMC will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that service providers implement the required improvements. Failure to comply with the Commission's Directive is an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding RM1 million, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both,” she said, referencing Section 53 of Act 588.

In addition, non-compliance may incur financial penalties of up to RM500,000 under subsection 105(5) of the same Act.

Consumers are encouraged to lodge complaints directly with their service providers if their services fall below MSQoS standards. If the issue remains unresolved, they may escalate the complaint to MCMC via [https://aduan.mcmc.gov.my](https://aduan.mcmc.gov.my).

Members of the public are also urged to report poor service areas through the MCMC NEXUS app.

Speed tests showing consistent download speeds below 10 Mbps are flagged for investigation and action by service providers. If problems persist, MCMC will initiate an official MSQoS audit to compel corrective measures. - August 25, 2025