The government has agreed in principle to review the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improvement and enhancement, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi stated that his ministry will hold meetings and engage stakeholders to review aspects that could be enhanced in the act. This decision is a continuation of the policy decided in August 2022, specifically focusing on issues involving Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
During a press conference after the Cabinet meeting in Putrajaya, Fahmi mentioned that many Members of Parliament have strong views on the act, and there are questions about whether it is strong enough. He emphasized that certain matters such as fines or penalties in the act have long existed and need to be re-examined. The value of fines in the context of compliance with standards is one of the factors that will be considered in the review.
Fahmi explained, “If we compare, whether the value is appropriate and beneficial to the current situation and if there are changes in that value, it is at a rate and value commensurate with the economic situation.” He also addressed the issue of search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, stating that it was not discussed in the Cabinet meeting but a report is expected to be presented soon.
The Transport Ministry had previously expressed its commitment to obtain Cabinet approval to sign a new contract with Ocean Infinity to resume the search for the Malaysia Airlines MH370 aircraft that went missing 10 years ago. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mentioned that Malaysia was prepared to reopen the investigation into the incident if there was new and solid evidence.
On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished from radar screens after departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport for Beijing with 239 people on board. Despite large-scale search operations in the southern Indian Ocean involving several countries, no trace of the aircraft or its wreckage was found.
