Media statement
Hello - Should there be a limit to greed?
Telekom Malaysia's decision to raise the rental of fixed line residential telephones by another RM3 per month from 15 March 2003 is very unsettling to all Malaysians. This increase is grossly unfair, coming as it does a year after an earlier increase in rental of RM2 per month on 1 March last year. This works out to an increase in rental of 25% in one year. (The Star, 10 March 2003)
Prior to the initial increase last year, the rental used to be RM20 per month, but after the present rental increase this year subscribers will now have to pay RM25 monthly.
This raises the legitimate question: Should there be a limit to greed?
This is a pertinent question especially when Telekom Malaysia posted a group profit after tax of RM1.08 billion on revenue of RM9.8bil. This huge profit - instead of making them more generous and compassionate - has only whetted their appetite for more.
Telekom Malaysia is not even bothered to explain why this additional capital is required. What is the justification for seeking this additional profit, if it is not caprice? They don't seem to be accountable to anyone. It appears that it is simply left to their whims and fancies.
Aliran has proposed many times in the past that any intended increase in utility rates should be brought before a Public Utility Commission or Tribunal. Those seeking to increase tariffs should justify the proposed increase in an open hearing. This tribunal should have representatives from consumer groups, trade unions, other NGOs and political parties. By contrast, closed-door decisions by ministry officials lack public accountability and are therefore totally unacceptable in a democratic society.
Aliran, once again, calls upon Telekom Malaysia to show some respect for public opinion and to be accountable to Malaysians by openly justifying this increase in an open tribunal where there is public participation.
P Ramakrishnan
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