Astro must seek the approval of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) before raising the price of its paid television channel services, said the Minister of Information Communication and Culture Dr Rais Yatim.
“The payment for basic services charged by Astro to its subscribers will not be changed. For whatever addition, Astro must discuss first with the MCMC before deciding to increase its service charges,” he said.
Rais said the ministry would discuss with Astro on the issue and the notice issued by Astro to its subscribers was considered invalid as it did not get permission from MCMC beforehand.
He said this to reporters after attending the Film Industry Appreciation Night 2011 organised by the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), here tonight. Also present was Finas Director-General Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim.
Astro recently announced that it would carry out a price adjustment on the packages offered effective July 11 with the subscription based on the subscribers’ package selection.
Some subscribers may be charged an increase of between RM1 and RM15 per month, while some would enjoy a reduction of between RM4 and RM14.95 per month.
– Bernama
Marcel Simok
Maran Perianen
Yalinie Mathan
