Malaysians urged to file complaints on Wi-Fi thefts

Consumers have been urged to file complaints on any Wi-Fi thefts to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Deputy Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that those who had any information of the sale of equipment or devices to steal Wi-Fi connections could lodge their complaints to the ministry through a consumer forum.

He said that between 2012 and last year, the ministry, through MCMC, had received and investigated six complaints on the supply or sale of equipment or devices to steal Wi-Fi connections.

"From these complaints, three people were prosecuted and sentenced by a court.

"To address this issue, the MCMC, together with Sirim Qas International Sdn Bhd (Sirim), an agency under the Science, Technology and Information Ministry, is carrying out market surveillance activities on a regular basis throughout the country to detect the presence of any equipment, device or apparatus used to steal Wi-Fi connections."

Jailani said this in reply to Datuk Jumat Idris (Sepanggar-BN), who asked the ministry to state whether there were activities of theft of domestic and privately-owned Wi-Fi connections.

"MCMC and Sirim also conducts talks to increase awareness on communications equipment and devices to the public, licensees and law enforcement agencies in other countries," Jailani said.

Those found guilty of using non-standard devices would be subjected to a penalty not exceeding RM100,000(S$38,600) under Section 239 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.