Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said under the MSQoS, internet speeds must achieve at least 7.5Mbps, adding that the minimum speed will be raised to 10Mbps by next year.

He said the lack of urgency in resolving the internet speed issue is at odds with the speed in which these telcos act on customer billing.

“When it comes to collecting outstanding bills, they’re lightning fast. If we’re even a day or two late, they disconnect the line,” he told a press conference after attending Community Day at the Ayer Kuning National Information Dissemination Centre.

“But when we lodge complaints, it takes them months to respond. I’ve had enough.”

Fahmi said the deadline was set after taking into account similar issues across the country, including Orang Asli villages in Ayer Kuning, where internet coverage is particularly bad.

“MCMC conducted nationwide tests in March to measure internet speeds.

“I found that telcos have been incredibly slow in resolving complaints and they’re well aware of the issue,” he added.

Fahmi also commented on calls by former minister Nazri Aziz to take action against Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat over her recent remarks on judicial independence.

Fahmi, who is also the government spokesman, said Putrajaya welcomes proposals to improve the legal system but any changes must be approached carefully.

This, he said, was in light of the legal challenge filed against the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009.

“Since the Madani government took office, nearly 80 laws have been tabled – either new ones or amendments,” he said.

“This shows our commitment to strengthening institutions and democracy.”