MCMC will ensure reduction of cellular rates to be done quickly

he Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will ensure that the reduction in tariff rates for cellular telephones will be implemented as soon as possible so that the people are not burdened by the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for such calls.

MCMC chairman Datuk Seri Dr Halim Shafie said that such service providers had given positive feedback on the proposal to reduce the rate and offer special packages to students.

"The MCMC will closely monitor the issue on the rate reduction and the proposed special packages for students," he said in a statement today.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek had earlier proposed that telecomunication companies (telcos) reduced the tariff for such services and offer affordable packages to the target groups such as the students to balance the impact of the GST imposition.

Ahmad Shabery was also reported as saying that the telcos were required to fully implement the 'buy RM10 get RM10' method and approach within a period of six months.

He said the GST for topping up prepaid telephone cards would be imposed based on usage, and the method would be more appropriate as the government would not take the tax before service was used.

The Commission is also charged with overseeing the new regulatory framework for the converging telecommunications and broadcasting industries and on-line activities.