KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will launch an investigation on the private television channel Awesome TV over its report claiming that the government will sack over 800,000 civil servants.
In a statement today, MCMC said Awesome TV will be investigated under Section 206 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (AKM 1998) for failure to comply with the conditions of their licence.
"When the investigation papers are completed, it will be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.
"If convicted, the offender can be punished as provisioned under Section 242 which is a fine not exceeding RM 100,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or both," it said.
Yesterday, the management of Awesome TV met with officials from MCMC regarding their report.
Representatives of the TV channel were seen at MCMC headquarters at 12.30 pm and left some 30 minutes later.
On Feb 17, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil tweeted that the government vehemently denied allegations contained in Awesome TV's news programme Berita 757 that there are 'observers' who have proposed that the number of civil servants is reduced.
The television channel, which broadcasts through MYTV and Astro, was also found to have published news content that violated regulations six times, Fahmi said, including slander against the current government.
MCMC added that they take every complaint seriously and are committed to improving the level of compliance of Individual Content Application Service Providers (CASP-I) licensees so that the content that is posted reflects the culture, identity and norms of society, in accordance with the laws and Content Code.
"Every complaint received will be scrutinised based on the provisions of AKM 1998 and following the standard operating procedures (SOP) set.
"Among the procedures or processes after receiving complaints includes calling in the broadcaster to come forward and submit an explanation to determine the form of action to be taken," it said.