By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, May 18: The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2022, if passed, will set another path for Sarawak to break the ‘monopoly’ of spectrum control by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Miro Simuh (PBB-Serembu) said that in Malaysia, the MCMC oversees the commercial spectrum allocation through various telecommunications (telco) companies.
The MCMC is tasked to regulate and ensure use of spectrum is in accordance with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Communications and Multimedia (Spectrum) Regulations 2000.
“From the valid information that we have, each telco (companies) needs to pay quite a substantial amount to gain their spectrum licence from the MCMC,” he said when debating on the Bill in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
He further said to break from the ‘monopoly’ by MCMC, the Sarawak government will refer to Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the recognition granted to the State as it has been recognised as a region which helped to form Malaysia.
“We do not ask from other State airspace to regulate this law, it is in our own boundaries, thus it is our right to own it.
“I hope that the passing of the Sarawak Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2022 will ensure that our rights will be granted to us in regulating and controlling our spectrum and airspace. Thus, it will generated more opportunities for Sarawak to explore this technology in depth and will benefit Sarawak in many ways,” he added.
Meanwhile, Datuk Mong Dagang (PRS-Bukit Begunan) noted that spectrum relates to the use of airspace because it involves radio frequencies attached to the mobile industry and other sectors related to communication over the airwaves.
“Currently, the State government does not have jurisdiction over the matter which is regulated under MCMC Act. But the State government could still make appropriate regulations when it involves land and use of airspace,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
