The Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) wants authorities like the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Information Communication and Culture Ministry (KPKK) to investigate into the new subscription fee adjustment by Astro.

PPIM adviser Tengku Azwil Tengku Abdul Razak said that as an exclusive pay television broadcaster in the country, Astro should not impose additional charges on the people who were already burdened with the increase in prices of goods.

"Astro have control on the subscription fee. Therefore, we urge the government, especially MCMC and KPKK, to investigate the matter," he told reporters at a media conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Last Monday, Astro announced that starting July 11, it is revising its packages with adjustments to the subscription fees depending on the packages selected by subscribers.

It said that as a result of the adjustment, some subscribers may experience an increase of between RM1 and RM15 per month or savings of between RM4 and RM14.95 a month.

The family pack, which provides access to 38 channels, remains at RM37.95 a month.

Astro chief operating officer Henry Tan said the price adjustment was necessary due to increasing costs of local and global contents, including rights to broadcast sports events.

- Bernama