Telecommunications cable theft: government considers heavier sanctions, Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering imposing tougher penalties on individuals involved in the theft of telecom cables, which cause service disruptions.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the sanction would be proposed in the amendment to the Communications and Multimedia Law of 1998, currently being considered by the Attorney General’s Office.

“I will request the team from the Ministry of Communications and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to review and provide feedback and recommendations as, at present, the draft amendment to the “Several provisions focus on network service quality,” he said.

“We have made this amendment not only due to incidents of cable theft and vandalism, but also due to disruptions in the quality of telecommunications services. This issue is often raised by users and is carefully considered before the submit to Parliament,” he told reporters in Lembah. Korban Perdana program in Pantai, Monday June 17.

Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, responded to a question on government action to stop the theft of copper telecommunications cables, which is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Regarding the Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s decision to create a team of “online ambassadors” to provide information and ward off slander in cyberspace, Fahmi said his ministry was not against the effort.

“I do not see that the establishment will lead them to enter the jurisdiction of other parties, but there must be coordination in terms of information to be transmitted.

“God willing, I will look into this matter with the minister (Nga Kor Ming) as I have not had the opportunity to get a full briefing from the KPKT regarding this effort,” he said.

On Thursday, Nga announced the creation of a 200-member “online ambassador” team from the ministry to combat defamation and effectively deliver authentic information and government policies.