Malaysia’s Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, has announced a meeting with all the country’s telecommunications companies next week to discuss the quality of communications services at present.The aforementioned meeting resulted from the frequent complaints from users both in rural and urban areas on difficulties in obtaining Internet access as well as line interruptions.
During a press conference after visiting flood victims housed at the Orang Asli Development Department Training Centre on Jan 29, he said: “Let’s take myself for example, I have been a customer of a company for more than 20 years, but still experience dropped calls and such. This shows that the packages offered do not commensurate with the amount we pay. If we pay a little late, they will cut our line, even though we are loyal customers. They need to answer the questions and complaints raised by the people. I hope we can resolve this in the near future,” he said.
Another pressing matter is Touch ‘n Go (TNG) services, which allows users to top up anytime and anywhere using the TNG eWallet application available on mobile devices, without any surcharge, Salahuddin said the minister had given the company until the beginning March, which was deemed sufficient, to resolve some of the issues. It is also indicated that failed attempts to improve within this period could make the company face needed actions.
“I am very concerned about the issue where the RM10 TNG NFC (Near Field Communication) is difficult to find (in the market) but then it’s available at RM40. I have asked TNG to make the cards available immediately, especially at petrol stations along the highway or other places where it is necessary.
“I will check on my way back (on the highway) or within the next three to four days by stopping around to ask if the card is in stock, because all parties have to make it easier for the people and not trouble them, and they really need it (the card),” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the ministry welcomed any complaints regarding the sale of NFC cards at higher prices by irresponsible individuals. Among the complaints received regarding the service included issues related to TNG Visa prepaid cards, difficulties in obtaining TNG cards, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) problems as well as unanswered hotlines.
