KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are enjoying affordable and competitive rate for communication services such as broadband packages, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said the findings are based on studies and guides from global telecommunication associations and organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).
"According to a report released by ITU - which takes into account, among others, the Internet penetration rates - Malaysia is ranked as the third best in Southeast Asia.
"At the Asia Pacific level, Malaysia is ranked ninth among 34 member countries.
"The ranking would not have been attained if the price of broadband packages in the country is expensive," he said when wrapping up the 2018 Budget debate at the committee level for his ministry.
At the same time, he said Section 197 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 allows for service providers or telecommunications companies to set broadband prices based on market rates.
He said telecommunications companies need to be fair in its pricing and are not allowed to give unreasonable discounts which could lead to unhealthy competition.
Starting early this year, fixed-line broadband service providers offer services at a higher speed for the same price as before.
It was made possible by service providers who agreed to offer such services in line with the government's plan to improve online information channels.
Within the next two years, the speed for this package would be doubled, with a reduction in prices by 50 percent.-- Reporting by ARFA YUNUS, FERNANDO FONG and VEENA BABULAL