“The quality of Internet services has to be stepped up based on the many complaints from consumers who have to pay an exorbitant sum for low-quality service.
“The bulk of Internet users are students and the average price for broadband access is RM79 to RM133 per month which is a burden to them,” he said.
There has been an increase in Internet usage among Malaysians from 22% in 2008 to 60% in the first quarter this year.
Based on World Bank estimates, this figure will continue to increase in the next couple of years.
Cheah said the government had to regulate prices according to the needs of the consumer towards the services demanded.
“It goes without saying that the Internet is crucial to turn Malaysia into a developed nation.
“Many Malaysians also use social media as a tool to supplement their income and often transact over e-commerce websites.
“At least, if the government cannot reduce the prices then it must ensure that the services offered are on par with the amount charged,” he said.
According to a study by Ookla, a global leader in broadband speed testing and web-based network diagnostic applications, Malaysia ranked 126 out of 196 nations in terms of Internet access speed.
But, the study undertaken from May 2013 to April 2014 revealed that Malaysia ranked behind Cambodia and Vietnam in the region.
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