Action against unsolicited SMS
30 Jan 2013, New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR: The Information, Communications and Culture Ministry is to look into the system of sending advertisements via SMS to mobile phones to prevent consumers from being harassed by unsolicited messages.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said yesterday the ministry had received many complaints over the sending of advertisements via SMS, some containing elements of a sexual nature.
"SMS sent to telephone users should not contain messages seeking to market anything," he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the Communications, Content and Infrastructure sector of the National Key Economic Area here.
Rais said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission would go through the complaints and discuss with telecommunications companies to come up with a solution.
He also said that the ministry would review the cost of downloading songs online to ensure that copyright owners and singers received a reasonable profit. Rais also advised those involved in the advertising industry to portray the face of Malaysia and Asia on billboards.