
MCMC to review 5G coverage disparity among telcos, says Fahmi
CYBERJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will examine the disparity in 5G Coverage of Populated Areas (CoPA) among telecommunications companies (telcos) in different locations, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said that although Malaysia has achieved an overall 92 per cent 5G CoPA nationwide, coverage levels vary significantly between telcos.
"Some telcos have CoPA as low as 76 per cent, while others go up to 86 per cent," he told reporters after officiating the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 celebration here today.
Fahmi said he had instructed MCMC to provide detailed reports showing both the national aggregate and individual telco CoPA, broken down by state.
"We want to make sure that when Malaysians pay for Internet packages, they receive coverage across the country - not just in selected areas. We're paying for nationwide access," he said.
Fahmi stressed that 5G services must be available throughout Malaysia, and that the government had been actively working to enhance network-sharing among telcos.
"I've worked hard to get all telcos to participate in network sharing, and we formalised this through a recently published framework," he said.
On another development, Fahmi said the soon-to-be-enforced Online Safety Act (OnSA) 2024 would play a crucial role in holding social media platforms accountable for the content they host, particularly in protecting users from scams and online harm.
He emphasised that OnSA would compel platforms to share the responsibility of ensuring a safer digital environment.
"One of the key objectives is to make sure that social media platforms are responsible for the kind of content available on their platforms," he said.
Fahmi also raised concern over the lack of action by major platforms, especially Facebook, in tackling scam and gambling advertisements, despite these being paid content.
"For example, there are many scam and gambling ads, yet Facebook hasn't done enough to remove them - simply because scammers are paying for them," he said.
"As such, we're waiting for the Online Safety Act to receive royal assent, and once it comes into effect, we believe that the OnSA will play a pivotal role," he added.
Passed by Parliament in December last year, the OnSA will require social media platform providers to meet three core responsibilities: ensuring platform safety, protecting children under the age of 13, and limiting access to harmful content.
Platforms will also be required to issue clear user guidelines, including terms of use, and provide mechanisms for users to report harmful or offensive content.
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The Star
40 minutes ago
- The Star
Sharp rise in recyclables collected by Johor folk
Johor Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) is intensifying efforts to raise recycling rates across the state, to ensure the national target of 40% is achieved this year. Its deputy director Rafidah Mohamed said paper, bottles and electronic waste remained the top three collected recyclable materials in Johor based on its data. A volunteer weighing rubbish collected from a clean-up programme at Gunung Pulai. 'Johor's recycling volume saw a sharp increase last year, with 2.41 million kilogrammes of recyclables collected compared to 1.38 million kilogrammes in 2023. 'This surge is largely attributed to the impact of the separation-at-source initiative that encouraged households to sort waste before disposal,' she told StarMetro. However, Rafidah said Johor still faced major hurdles in public participation. 'The diverse cultural backgrounds, habits and socio-economic conditions among communities present real challenges for recycling. 'Many Malaysians still dispose of waste without sorting. Changing this habit requires persistent education and outreach.' She noted that in high-density housing areas, limited space posed a problem for families trying to store recyclables before collection day. Waste collected by volunteers during a beach clean-up programme in Mersing. According to Rafidah, access to recycling collection points remained limited in some neighbourhoods, which discouraged public participation. 'To combat these challenges, SWCorp has launched communication, education and public awareness campaigns statewide. 'These include school visits, public talks and awareness programmes held at community centres.' She said the company also had volunteers known as 'Hero Kebersihan' (Cleanliness Heroes) who would be mobilised to conduct clean-up activities and Rafidah says paper, bottles and e-waste remain the top three recyclable materials in Johor. educate local communities. The plastic waste collected from these clean-up activities were then separated and sent for recycling, she added. Rafidah said SWCorp had also partnered with industries and local authorities to reinforce circular economy principles, through programmes such as 'Trash to Cash.' She said this initiative rewarded households that separated recyclables with cash incentives or point-based rewards. 'To make waste separation a long-term habit, SWCorp introduced 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) education modules in schools and community programmes. 'Continuous engagement is key for us to have a society that always practises 3R day to day.' Rafidah said while SWCorp did not handle the recycling technology itself, it worked with industry players to ensure materials were processed responsibly. She cited its close working relationship with Hiroyuki Industries, a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic processor, as an example of successful post-collection recycling. She said collected PET bottles from campaigns were sent to Hiroyuki's plant in Senai, Johor, for processing. Rafidah said bottles at the plant went through a cleaning and melting process before being converted into recycled PET resin. The resin was then used to produce a range of new plastic products, including food packaging and bottles, she elaborated. However, despite these efforts, she said Malaysia's PET recycling rate remained low with only 16% of bottles recovered and recycled. 'But Johor has seen pockets of success in waste separation, thanks to strong grassroots leadership and community spirit,' said Rafidah. She said among the examples were Masjid Bandar Putra IOI in Segamat, where structured collection systems had driven consistent recycling practices. She noted that the mosque provided dedicated collection cages for recyclables and encouraged residents to drop off materials regularly. She thanked the mosque committee for keeping the programme active and effective. 'This shows that proactive leadership, infrastructure and resident participation can produce long-term results.' In terms of enforcement, Rafidah said waste separation at source had been mandatory since 2015 in Johor, Melaka, Pahang and the Federal Territories. She said offenders could be fined up to RM1,000 under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672). 'Still, education remains SWCorp's main approach to create better awareness among the public, with fines only issued after repeated non-compliance. 'SWCorp is also ramping up our partnerships with schools, local authorities and non-governmental organisations to expand recycling programmes across the state,' she elaborated. Rafidah said one flagship programme was the school recycling competition, which taught students through hands-on projects. 'We are also collaborating closely with local councils to operate drive-through recycling centres, enabling residents to drop off recyclables conveniently,' she said, adding that there were currently 86 such centres operating in seven states under Act 672, including Johor. 'Looking ahead, SWCorp's long-term strategy includes achieving the 40% national recycling target under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 'Plans include expanding the recycling bank programme in schools, kindergartens and public offices throughout Johor.' Rafidah said it also intended to scale up its zero waste community initiative, particularly in low-income housing projects. 'We aim to embed recycling into everyday life, from home to school and the office. 'Efforts will be further supported by ongoing education and media campaigns for better understanding of environmental sustainability,' she added. Rafidah said that through such efforts, the objective was not just about reducing landfill waste but also creating a culture of responsibility and care for future generations.


The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Airport revamp needed before VM2026
Work in progress: The aerotrain performing a test run at KLIA Terminal 1. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star PETALING JAYA: With just months to go before the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign kicks off, tourism industry leaders are worried about first impressions – they say KLIA and other airports need serious facelifts. Strangely enough, KLIA Terminal 1 – the bigger terminal – loses out to Terminal 2 when it comes to the range of food and services. 'At KLIA Terminal 1, the food in restaurants is often pre-prepared and simply reheated, which is not ideal. In contrast, Terminal 2 offers a much more diverse selection of dining options and shopping outlets,' says Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association president Datuk Angie Ng. Terminal 2 also provides essential travel items, such as luggage locks or new suitcases, at reasonable prices. Ng cited Singapore's Changi Airport as an example of what Malaysia should aspire to, with attractions like photo spots and a library for visitors, as well as a Food Republic outlet that offers a wide variety of freshly prepared meals. 'Unfortunately, the reheated food at our airport is unappealing,' she said. Ng did, however, commend KLIA's efficient Immigration clearance process, although there is still some congestion and confusion at baggage claim areas, particularly in Terminal 2. She said the airport needs more automated check-in machines and other state-of-the-art equipment. 'Other countries update facilities every two to three years. We should do the same, especially before VM 2026,' she said. Ng also highlighted the need for more airline staff to help elderly passengers at Terminal 2. Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association president Mint Leong echoed these concerns. 'KLIA gives the first impression for visitors. Malaysia Airports has already made improvements, such as offering complimentary drinks upon arrival and speeding up baggage collection and immigration clearance for Malaysians using the MyBorderPass App,' she said. However, she said the aerotrain service needs to be up and running as soon as possible, as shuttle buses are inconvenient, especially for families. 'During peak travel times, waiting times for shuttle buses can be long,' she added. Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang noted that while the aerotrain was important, there is a broader need to ensure comprehensive infrastructure and service readiness. 'We hope the tourism industry and government can work together to achieve the goals set,' he said. Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce president Loo Kok Seong said Malaysia's position as Asean chair this year would see more diplomatic and business visitors arriving. 'Given the growing number of exchanges, we must complete the aerotrain upgrades swiftly,' he said. After a two-year hiatus, the KLIA Terminal 1 aerotrain is expected to resume operations soon. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced a media test run next week to preview the service before it officially reopens. In January, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani announced that the KLIA aerotrain, was expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025.


Malaysiakini
2 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Don't hike fruit prices, they're a necessity, not luxury
YOURSAY | 'Will vegetables be next?' SST on imported fruits pose nutritional risks, consumer groups warn World Citizen: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has very bad advisors. As it is, consumers are already paying very high prices for imported fruits (and also local fruits) and imposing this five percent sales tax will only make things worse. On the one hand, people are encouraged to consume more fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, the ill-advised government wants to artificially raise the price of fruits. This is a total contradiction. The first thing this government should understand is not to raise the prices of food by imposing taxes. Instead, the government should do everything to keep the prices of food down and not the other way around, because the nation needs a healthy population, not a malnourished one. This is very basic. Food is never a luxury. It is essential unless it is of an exclusive category. Apples, oranges, and pears are not in the luxurious category. Talking about local fruits, what is the government doing about their high prices? Papayas, pineapples, guavas, and durians are very expensive compared to before, and it is cheaper to eat imported apples and oranges. This government is blind to facts and lacks people with grey matter. Plebeian: Malaysia has an extraction economy. Extraction from the ground and from its people. We keep getting taxed more and more for everything, but experience no improvements in the quality of life. Instead, what we do get in return for higher taxation is pollution and environmental degradation, abysmal urban planning, unsafe roads, a wretched public healthcare system, poorly maintained recreational facilities, horrible libraries, etc. Money going into a sinkhole. TaaS: Another 'great' reform by the government to improve livelihood and cost of living. 'Bill' the people again. Fruits are an essential part of a daily diet and nutrient intake. So are vegetables. It does not matter if imported or locally produced. Malaysia is a country which grows only tropical fruits, and very limited fruits are grown in higher areas of Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands. These essential products, therefore, must be free from taxes. Is the government going so low by going after daily necessities while going on a spending spree to protect race and religion? Will vegetables be next? Observer from Space: Hardworking Malaysians have time and again been pressed hard to pay more taxes to shore up a corrupt and bloated government! It's every citizen's right to eat fruits that are grown within the country and imported. It looks like these are now exclusively for the elite and corrupt. Anwar should listen and learn from Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's speech after his party's win at the recent general election. Specifically, he reminded his cabinet and himself that they are all servants to the citizens. Humble Opinion: I kindly urge the government to consider removing taxes on essential fruits such as apples and oranges. These fruits are a staple of a healthy diet and should be affordable for all Malaysians, especially ordinary families who strive to put nutritious food on the table. By eliminating these taxes, we can promote healthier lifestyles, reduce the burden on household budgets, make fresh produce more accessible to every community across the country, and also affect the well-being of many. BrownGoose2196: By raising imported fruit prices, the fruit sellers will automatically raise the selling prices of local fruits. As it is now, a piece of guava or mango is even more expensive than a piece of apple. Inflation is definite. All because the government wants to increase tax collections to cover large financial deficits, and the untouchables who have been squandering our money. Mhc9b23: I don't get it! We are trying to budget to eat as healthily as we can afford to, so some of these imported fruits are not a luxury but a necessity for our long-term health and well-being. We'd rather eat healthily to keep healthy than suffer later and pay for medical expenses. For one, uncontrolled usage of pesticides, especially in cultivating certain local fruits, is killing us. The other option is to go for organically grown fruits and also pay a premium. Please consider the people, our young and seniors in the family, who are trying and struggling to eat healthily before making and implementing such decisions. Zaheed: Fruits, whether local or imported, are essential and should not be slapped with sales tax. It is an essential foodstuff with nutrients and an essential part of keeping healthy. What is wrong with Madani? The local suppliers have very limited items, and that is too often in short supply. The good fruits are almost always exported while the locals get the C-grade ones. HJ Angus: All this just shows how complicated the Sales and Services Tax (SST) is, and trying to please different folks. A universal tax, like the goods and services tax (GST), is more efficient with all consumers having to contribute. VioletBeetle0699: Avocado is a healthy fruit that provides a lot of nutritional benefits. It is sad to see the government fail to realise this and make stupid statements instead. The government will just tell you to eat palm oil, then. OrangeBird5803: There should be SST on sugar, flour, and oil. Overconsumption of these items is killing Malaysians. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.