There has been no real action by the multi-billion Ringgit telecommunication corporations (telcos) to help Malaysian households except for the government supported 1GB per day. Telecommunication services such as postpaid, pre-paid, satellite TV (Astro) and internet are important household expenditures, especially in the new normal.
Telcos must absorb the SST charges which are being passed on to the people. Prior to GST, telcos in Malaysia used to bear the SST. With the introduction of GST, however, telcos began forcing the cost onto the people. This continues even after the reintroduction of SST.
Telcos must also abolish reactivation charges for late payments. Financial constraints from COVID-19 will force Malaysians to delay or overlook payment deadlines. Reactivation charges range from RM20 (Astro) to RM10 (Maxis, Celcom, Unifi) to RM5 (Digi). This amount represents rather big savings for households facing salary cuts and unemployment.
Telco must allow downgrade of packages to reduce peoples’ monthly fixed commitments. The telcos’ 24-month contracts prevent customers from downgrading their subscriptions to make some financial savings.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) calls upon the Minister of Communications and Multimedia to go into immediate discussion with telcos to do more to support Malaysians households.
SHARAN RAJ
Central Committee
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
&
State Chairperson,
Parti Sosialis Malaysia Negeri Melaka (PSM Melaka)
