Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today, proposing to expand the commission's functions, revise its membership composition and raise the contract value limit that can be approved without the minister's approval to RM50 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil stated that the Bill would be tabled for second reading during the current sitting.

The text of the Bill, uploaded to Parliament's official portal, highlights a key proposal to amend Section 45 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 (Act 589) through Clause 15. This amendment seeks to increase the contract value limit that the commission can independently approve, raising it from RM5 million to RM50 million without requiring ministerial or financial concurrence.

The Bill also proposes changes to Section 6 through Clause 3, aiming to clarify the commission's membership composition. This includes appointing three members representing the federal government, with one being the secretary-general of the ministry responsible for communications and multimedia, who will serve as an ex officio member.

Furthermore, the amendment increases the maximum number of other commission members from five to seven. These individuals are expected to possess qualifications, experience, and knowledge in fields such as communications, law, economics, and consumer protection.

Clause 4 of the Bill stipulates a two-year term of office for both the chairman and appointed members, allowing for reappointment but limiting service to no more than five terms, whether consecutive or otherwise.

Additionally, Clause 7 aims to expand the commission's functions to include developing and regulating infrastructure and platform standards to promote interoperability. It also seeks to regulate standards for the security, integrity, and resilience of information assets and communications networks.