This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on July 1, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: The communications and multimedia ministry is probing claims that Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd is imposing hidden charges on its subscribers. 

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said his ministry had discussed the issue with Astro, and is currently investigating the matter.

“We have stressed to Astro that their conduct must be within the terms and conditions stipulated in the licence granted to them. If they are found to be in breach of those terms and conditions, we will definitely take action,” he said after launching the Yes 4G LTE service yesterday.

He was commenting on claims by an Astro subscriber, who posted on his Facebook on Wednesday that Astro had imposed a penalty charge of RM120 on him when he wanted to switch packages. He also claimed he was told to pay RM360 if he wanted to terminate his subscription.

He claimed the charges were unfair and not stipulated in the subscription agreement. He further alleged that a staff member of Astro’s customer service had told him to complain on Facebook if he was dissatisfied. 

The post, uploaded by “Sephia Mhd Bhrm”, has since gone viral and seen over 24,000 shares on the social network.