00:00Akta Komunikasi dan Multimedia 1998
00:02When the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, or MCMC, takes action against online content,
00:11the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, or Act 588, often comes under the spotlight.
00:17This can create the misconception that Act 588 was introduced solely to regulate content and take action against internet users.
00:26In reality, the law has a much broader scope.
00:35Put simply, Act 588 is the rule book for Malaysia's entire Communications and Multimedia sector.
00:43It sets out how telecommunications networks, radio spectrum broadcasting, digital services and content are regulated.
00:52The Act also covers licensing, competition between companies, network access, technical standards and consumer protection.
01:01But having a rule book alone, it's not enough.
01:04That is why the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998, or Act 589, was introduced.
01:12Act 589 establishes the MCMC as the body responsible for implementing and overseeing those regulations.
01:21The MCMC monitors the industry, ensures companies comply with the law, conducts investigations and takes action when breaches occur.
01:30However, the Commission also advises the Minister on policies and the development of the Communications and Multimedia sector.
01:38So, the Minister and the MCMC do not perform the same functions.
01:43The Minister sets policy and has the authority to make certain regulations,
01:48while the MCMC manages implementation and industry compliance.
01:55Together, the two acts affect almost every communication service people use every day.
02:02This includes phone calls, internet services, television, digital applications, network quality and how consumer complaints are handled.
02:12The framework helps protect consumers by setting service standards, providing channels for complaints
02:18and ensuring service providers are accountable for the services they offer.
02:24For companies, the framework sets out the licenses, standards and responsibilities they must comply with when providing services.
02:33Online content is indeed covered by Act 588.
02:36However, it is only one part of a much broader system that also regulates infrastructure, competition, spectrum, licensing and consumer
02:46rights.
02:46In short, Act 588 sets out how the Communications and Multimedia sector is regulated.
02:53Act 589, meanwhile, enables the MCMC to implement and oversee that regulatory framework.
03:00Without either one, Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Regulatory System would not be able to function comprehensively.
03:07That is why the two acts should be viewed as part of a single system,
03:12rather than only through the lens of online content issues that often attract public attention.
03:18Together, they form the foundation for how the industry is regulated,
03:23how communication services are improved and how consumer interests are protected.
03:28I'm Ardeep Gil, FMT.
