KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The use of uncertified walkie-talkies risks causing harmful interference to the nation’s critical communication services, including security forces, emergency services, and aviation and maritime radionavigation systems, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said non-compliant walkie-talkie equipment may also pose safety risks to users, including electric shock and fire hazards, particularly during charging.
As such, she said all parties must obtain certification for communication equipment from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as provided under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
“It is important to ensure that all communication equipment, including walkie-talkies, complies with the prescribed technical codes and standards, which are aligned with international references and practices.
“It covers aspects such as electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), interoperability and the use of radio frequencies,” she said during the Special Chamber session.
She was responding to a question from Tan Hong Pin (Bakri-PH), who raised concerns about alleged systemic unfairness in MCMC’s certification system and the loss of competitiveness among authorised local walkie-talkie distributors.
Teo stressed that the certification process is not a bureaucratic procedure but rather a technical safeguard for national security.
Commenting on enforcement statistics, she said MCMC seized 314 walkie-talkie units worth RM24,682 between 2021 and 2025 as part of efforts to tighten enforcement against uncertified communication equipment.
During the same period, 74 cases were investigated for violations of Section 239 of Act 588 and breaches of technical standards under the relevant regulations. Of these, 28 cases were brought to court, resulting in total fines amounting to RM243,500, while two cases were compounded at RM1,000 each.
At the same time, she said MCMC and SIRIM Berhad conduct market surveillance, including direct purchases of communication equipment from physical premises and online platforms for testing and compliance verification.
Teo said legal action can be taken under Section 239 of Act 588 for breaches of technical standards under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
“For offences under Section 239 of Act 588, those convicted may be fined up to RM1 million, jailed for up to 10 years, or both.
“In addition, for offences under Regulation 16 of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000, those convicted may be fined up to RM300,000, jailed for up to three years, or both,” she said.
In a related development, she said that from 2022 to 2025, MCMC issued 112 takedown notices to e-commerce platforms, resulting in the removal of 21,151 links for the sale of uncertified communication equipment, including 3,175 links involving walkie-talkies.
“The government will not hesitate to take legal action against any e-commerce platform operator found to have deliberately and repeatedly failed to act after notices were issued,” she said.
-- BERNAMA
