Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching warns that uncertified walkie-talkies can disrupt critical services and pose safety risks, urging compliance with MCMC certification.
KUALA LUMPUR: The use of uncertified walkie-talkies poses a serious risk of harmful interference to the nation’s critical communication services.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching told the Dewan Rakyat these services include security forces, emergency responders, and aviation and maritime radionavigation systems.
She added that non-compliant equipment also presents direct safety hazards to users. These risks include potential electric shock and fire, particularly during the charging process.
Teo stressed that all parties must obtain certification for communication equipment from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). This requirement is provided under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“It is important to ensure that all communication equipment, including walkie-talkies, complies with the prescribed technical codes and standards,” she said during a Special Chamber session. She explained these standards cover electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, interoperability, and radio frequency use.
The minister was responding to a question from Bakri MP Tan Hong Pin regarding concerns about the certification system. Teo emphasised the process is a technical safeguard for national security, not mere bureaucracy.
Enforcement data shows MCMC seized 314 uncertified walkie-talkie units worth RM24,682 between 2021 and 2025. A total of 74 cases were investigated for violations during the same period.
Of these, 28 cases were brought to court, resulting in total fines of RM243,500. Two other cases were compounded for RM1,000 each.
Teo detailed the severe penalties for non-compliance. Convictions under Section 239 of Act 588 can lead to fines up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
Separate offences under the technical standards regulations carry penalties of up to RM300,000 in fines, three years’ jail, or both.
The government also targets online sales of uncertified equipment. From 2022 to 2025, MCMC issued 112 takedown notices to e-commerce platforms.
This action resulted in the removal of 21,151 links selling uncertified communication gear. Among these, 3,175 links were specifically for 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,” Teo said.
The Sun Malaysia
