Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2026, aiming to bolster the nation's communications and multimedia ecosystem amid swift technological advancements, without imposing additional charges on users.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amendments aim to integrate national security elements into the National Universal Service Provision (USP) initiative. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching stated that this step ensures the legal framework remains pertinent amid technological and geopolitical shifts, as well as the increasing national dependence on critical digital infrastructure.
"This amendment is not intended to expand the scope of Act 588 into areas under the jurisdiction of other agencies. Instead, it is confined to the communications and multimedia framework, particularly the USP initiative relating to the use of network or application services through the installation of network facilities and the provision of related services," Teo said during the bill's debate conclusion.
The bill was passed by a majority vote after being discussed by 18 MPs. Teo highlighted that users in regions with limited communications coverage would benefit from the National USP initiative, which is designed to enhance the security, resilience, reliability, and continuity of the country's communications services.
Addressing concerns about potential consumer costs, Teo assured that the USP Fund, sourced from licensee contributions under Act 588, is earmarked solely for network facilities and related services.
During the debate, Datuk Suhaimi Nasir (BN-Libaran) emphasized prioritizing the expansion of communications coverage in rural, interior, coastal, and island areas of Sabah, alongside national security strengthening. He stressed the importance of stable networks for timely aid delivery during emergencies.
Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) urged the Communications Ministry to disclose the current balance of the Kumpulan Wang USP and its intended usage to ensure rural communications infrastructure development remains unaffected by the amendment.
Meanwhile, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (BN-Putatan) proposed regular gazetting of digital manipulation forms to enable public contingency measures for safeguarding personal information and financial transactions. He also called for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to enhance its cybersecurity expertise.