The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Abbreviation: MCMC; Malay: Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia, (SKMM)) 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), the Communications and Multimedia Act (1998), and the Strategic Trade Act (2010). 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.
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
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.
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), an information delivery service.
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.
