MCMC upgrades fibre optic network to address full signal issue, no internet access

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 15 -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) together with service providers are implementing various improvement measures to overcome the problem of users receiving full phone signals, but no internet access. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said among the measures implemented to overcome the problem of core line failures was upgrading the transmission network using high-capacity optical fibres. He said the measure also involved implementing redundant networks and providing alternative transmission routes to reduce risks or single points of failure. "The issue of no internet access even though users receive a strong phone signal or full bars can occur due to several factors that affect the quality of service," he said when answering a question from Datuk Anyi Ngau (GPS-Baram) who asked the Communications Ministry to state a comprehensive plan to overcome the problem of core line failures, during a question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. Teo said the situation could occur due to network capacity congestion due to high data usage as well as disruptions or damage to transmission lines. Other physical factors that also contribute are incidents of fiber optic cable cutting, vandalism, theft, natural disasters, wild animal threats and construction work. "Apart from network factors, user experience is also influenced by device conditions, phone settings, type of subscription plan and remaining available data quota," he said. Teo said that to ensure continuity of services in the event of disruptions, MCMC has also upgraded support facilities such as backup power generation systems, in addition to all communication sites being continuously monitored by service providers through the Network Monitoring Centre (NMC) which operates 24 hours a day. "To improve the security of towers under the JENDELA Plan initiative, Service Providers have taken steps to strengthen risky communication tower sites by installing anti-theft and vandalism equipment such as installing iron conduit to prevent copper cables from being cut and stolen," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 15 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) together with service providers are implementing various improvement measures to overcome the problem of users receiving full phone signals, but no internet access. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said among the measures implemented to overcome the problem of core line failures was […]

Johor state election: Teo shows support for PH Bukit Permai DUN candidate

BATU PAHAT. JUNE 27 -- Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching arrived at the nomination centre at Dewan Raya Putra, Bandar Putra here at 8.26 am. He, who is also the Deputy Minister of Communications, accompanied Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Bukit Permai State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Mohamad Shafwan Ani. Party supporters began flooding the nomination centres as early as 7am to support their respective candidates, filling the atmosphere with cheers, chants of slogans and waving party flags. -- BERNAMA

BATU PAHAT. JUNE 27 — Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching arrived at the nomination centre at Dewan Raya Putra, Bandar Putra here at 8.26 am. He, who is also the Deputy Minister of Communications, accompanied Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Bukit Permai State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Mohamad Shafwan Ani. Party supporters began flooding […]

464 fake content related to global supply crisis identified in one month – Teo

KUALA LUMPUR -- A total of 464 fake content related to the global supply crisis was identified between March 29 and April 30, 2026, with 312 of them successfully taken down, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. Apart from that, he said, a total of 65 investigation papers have been opened, with 15 cases referred to the Attorney General's Chambers, while the others are still under investigation. "The rapid spread of false information, amplified by artificial intelligence (AI), poses a major challenge to public trust," he said in his speech during the opening of the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum, here, today. Also present were Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications (Strategic Communications and Creative Industries) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. Teo said cases of fake content, including fake accounts and impersonation of public figures, have increased sharply in recent years, jumping from 6,297 cases in 2023 to 63,652 in 2024 and 98,503 in 2025. "As of April 30 this year alone, 60,829 such contents have been taken down by the platform," he said. He said the development showed the need for those involved in the world of journalism to always uphold credibility amidst the ever-changing digital landscape. Meanwhile, Teo urged the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to play a greater role and take a more careful and prudent approach in handling media-related issues. He said this was important following Malaysia's latest ranking of 95th in the Reporters Without Borders index, down from 88th previously, reflecting ongoing concerns in the media landscape. "While the safety of journalists has improved, the decline in the media economy and legislation remains a concern, and this is not a position we can be complacent about." “Journalism is a pillar of democracy,” he said, adding that disputes over reporting should be resolved through the MMC as the ultimate arbiter. The MMC, established in February last year, is a self-regulatory body that aims to uphold journalistic ethics, formulate codes of conduct and safeguard the welfare of media practitioners. The council is governed by a board comprising representatives of media organisations, practitioners and public interest groups, including academics and the general public, with the participation of delegates from Sabah and Sarawak.

KUALA LUMPUR — A total of 464 fake content related to the global supply crisis was identified between March 29 and April 30, 2026, with 312 of them successfully taken down, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. Apart from that, he said, a total of 65 investigation papers have been opened, with 15 cases […]

Bernama to host HAWANA Media Forum tomorrow, discuss industry-related issues

KUALA LUMPUR: The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum, organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), is scheduled to take place tomorrow as a platform for stakeholders in the media landscape to participate in dialogue and exchange views on issues shaping the industry. The forum, which will be held in the national capital, will bring together media leaders, journalists, academics, public relations practitioners, as well as lecturers and students from public and private universities. The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum Secretariat in a statement announced that the forum will examine the challenges in maintaining the survival of media organizations during a crisis, especially when income is increasingly limited, as well as discuss the increasing needs of journalists in adapting to an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving media landscape. In addition, the forum will emphasize the importance of forming a resilient and forward-looking Malaysian media ecosystem, especially in the context of the digital era and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). "Several Malaysian Media Council Board Members will participate in this forum as panelists, including leading special sessions, as part of efforts to strengthen professionalism and governance in the industry," the statement said. The forum, which will be officiated by Deputy Minister of Communications, Teo Nie Ching, will also feature leading journalists and industry experts who will share their views and perspectives in the day-long programme, aimed at encouraging deeper discussions and a more meaningful exchange of ideas. The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum was held in conjunction with the celebration of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 on June 20. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum, organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), is scheduled to take place tomorrow as a platform for stakeholders in the media landscape to participate in dialogue and exchange views on issues shaping the industry. The forum, which will be held in the national capital, will bring together […]

AI Helps Creative Process, Does Not Replace Creators – Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR — Artificial intelligence (AI) needs to be viewed as a tool capable of strengthening the creative process in the arts industry, particularly in music and filmmaking, rather than replacing the role of creators. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the creative process is fundamentally still anchored on human ideas and touch, and this […]

70,122 Prepaid Sim Card Lines Terminated Over Suspected Misuse In 2025

KULAI — A total of 70,122 prepaid SIM card lines suspected of being misused to send suspicious messages were terminated in 2025, an almost tenfold increase compared to 7,409 lines in 2024. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the increase showed that abuse of prepaid SIM card lines was still rampant and required stricter […]