21 Sep 2018
TM reiterates commitment to enhance the broadband experience of Streamyx customers
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today reiterated its support of the Government’s aspirations of improving the reach and experience of broadband services in Malaysia, and its commitment to address the issues faced by Streamyx and its loyal customers in a more comprehensive manner.
In July, TM announced its upgrade plans for Streamyx (pre-unifi) customers tounifiin coverage areas or double the speed for those in non-coverage areas. The upgrade will enable its existing broadband customers to experience faster speeds at their existing package price. Following the announcement, TM has received many enquiries and much feedback from customers who are eager to know whether they are eligible for the speed upgrade. TM is grateful for the feedback given and is working hard to realise the broadband aspirations.
TM has been continuously investing to enhance both its fibre and copper network over the years to deliver high speed broadband with wider nationwide coverage. The copper network is a legacy network and has always faced many challenges, mainly technological limitations. This requires a longer term and more permanent solution, which will take time to implement. Additionally, TM has continuously invested in the rollout of LTE 4G network and WiFi hotspots to complement its fixed network to provision broadband services anywhere, anytime via home@unifi, mobile@unifi and wifi@unifi. TM’s LTE 4G services coverage currently exceeds 77% of the household population in urban and rural areas and together with our partner, complimenting it with 90% 3G services coverage. To enable the convenience of mobility, the Company also enhanced its WiFi coverage and service quality with more than 12,000 hotspots nationwide to date.
Through its Broadband Improvement Plan which began in 2016, TM has been working hard to enhance the experience of both unifi and Streamyx customers, concurrently. Understandably, it has been easier to execute the unifi speed upgrades, which are served by fibre. TM is now giving specific focus to Streamyx and high-rise broadband customers served through its own or the buildings’ copper networks.
Imri Mokhtar, Executive Vice President of unifi, said: “Over 1 million home and business customers nationwide are today on broadband over TM’s copper network – both on landed and high-rise properties. With rising demand of a more digital lifestyle and business needs, what was before termed as a high speedinternet’, may not cut it anymore. We hear your 1 million voices. We remain committed as Malaysia’s nation building partner to invest and build the needed network that brings value to our customers, shareholders and other key stakeholders and for the country’s digital economy.”
“Based on our customer and network analytics, over 340,000 customers reside in a fibre broadband area, but are somehow not yet part of the 1.26 million unifi community. To date, we have successfully upgraded nearly 50% of these customers to unifi at no extra cost to their current bill. We urge remaining customers to grab this opportunity and complete this attractive unifi upgrade exercise by March 2019,” he added.
Imri explained: “Starting from 2010, TM has continuously expanded Malaysia’s fibre broadband coverage. Nonetheless, such coverage is yet to reach all of our existing broadband customers. Copper limitation is more pronounced for Streamyx customers, with 8Mbps being the best broadband speed that can be delivered today. We value your trust and sincerely appreciate your loyalty and more so for your patience and understanding. Where technically possible, we shall double the Streamyx speed at no extra cost to your current broadband bill. Close to 180,000 Streamyx customers can look forward to this free upgrade.”
Streamyx customers who are eligible for the speed upgrade will be contacted via email and phone. TM urges customers to update their latest contact details i.e., telephone number and email address to facilitate this process. This can be done both via the unifi portal and unifi care app. To address the remaining Streamyx customers, TM is working towards a more definitive solution and has initiated discussions with major stakeholders to deliver better broadband experience nationwide by exploring various fit-for-purpose technologies.
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TM Group collaborates with MACC to combat corruption
A testament to its zero tolerance towards corruption, Telekom Malaysia Berhad Group of Companies (TM Group), following on from its recent Ikrar Bebas Rasuah (IBR) pledge continues to collaborate with Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The Group has been working closely with MACC in establishing a business environment with the highest level of ethics and integrity, which include TM business partners. TM Group has also established a special unit that specifically looks into upholding high level of integrity and good governance values in the Group’s daily operations; which cover its transactions with vendors and overall partners' ecosystem. The special unit and the special officer seconded from MACC under the unit are reporting directly to the Special Integrity Committee chaired by Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the close ties between both organisations. With Warga Keluarga TM nationwide taking the pledge of Ikrar Bebas Rasuah (IBR) recently, the efforts have been further intensified and as a result, several arrests were recently made by MACC following internal investigations held by the Group on dubious transactions and activities. “At TM, we are committed to uphold integrity, governance and transparency, with zero tolerance of any improper and irregular practices on the part of our partners or our employees. We have always been at the forefront in championing the Company's pledge to ensure the integrity of our processes, people and reputation as well as the sustainability of our operations. This is supported by our KRISTAL values which emphasise ‘uncompromising integrity’ in all TM’s dealings with our various stakeholders,” said Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM. Commenting on the recent arrests of TM employees, Dato’ Seri Shazalli said, “We continue to work closely with MACC and taking off from the collaboration, we have conducted our internal investigations and inquiries which have left no stones unturned. We will go to the fullest extent to enforce the law and we never compromise on such wrongful acts of bribery, abuse of power, falsifying of information and forging of documents. So, let the recent arrests serves as a stern warning to all – including vendors, business partners and even Warga Keluarga TM.” Internally, TM has taken immediate and appropriate action to reprimand the staff and contractors concerned. TM stands by its position, as set out in its robust and thorough internal policies and processes, which are in line with industrial relations best practice. The findings of the internal investigations are then subsequently handed over to MACC for onward legal actions. We are also play a very important role to support MACC during the investigation stage. TM will always be on the lookout and will continue to investigate internally; and collaborate with MACC so there may be further cases in future as the Company continues the fight for this noble cause. “These activities of the lowest integrity will definitely affect the provisioning of communications services to the Rakyat and hamper the delivery of its benefits to Malaysians nationwide. TM Group as the one and only trusted to deliver the national communications backbone and Malaysia’s key enabler for national communications infrastructure is committed to combat such activities towards safeguarding the national interests. At the same time, we would like to thank MACC for all the co-operation and support that they have lent us in ensuring a corruption-free environment at TM,” he added.
TM reports operational improvement for 3Q2018 despite challenging environment
Key Highlights of 3Q2018: Group Revenue of RM2.95 billion Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) at RM941.4 million Group Reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million from impairment of network assets Key Highlights of YTD 2018: Group Revenue of RM8.73 billion Group EBITDA at RM2.55 billion Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) at RM83.5 million Announces Revised Dividend Policy Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2018. The Group saw steady operational performance, amidst heightened challenges in its operating environment, namely industry and market challenges impacting its revenue. The Group held revenue steady, at RM2.95 billion in 3Q2018, 0.3% higher from RM2.94 billion in the previous quarter, on the back of higher data as well as other telecommunication related services revenue. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for 3Q2018 grew 11.3% to RM941.4 million as compared to RM845.9 million in 2Q2018 mainly due to lower operating costs. Group Normalised EBITDA, which excludes non-operational items, increased 13.1%, at RM930.9 million. However, due to impairment loss on wireless and fixed network assets, the Group recorded Loss Before Interest and Tax (LBIT) at RM631.8 million for 3Q2018. Without the reported impairment and other non-operational items, the Group’s Normalised Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is at RM315.6 million for 3Q2018, a 39.4% increase against Normalised EBIT of RM226.4 million in 2Q2018. Consequently, the Group reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million compared with RM102.0 million Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) in the prior quarter. TM’s core net profit, or Normalised PATAMI excluding non-operational items, stood at RM266.4 million, a 71.0% improvement sequentially. The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) investment for the first nine months of 2018 at RM1.32 billion, or 15.1% of revenue. This is within TM’s full year capex guidance of 19-20% of revenue. By asset type, access comprised 62% of total spending, followed by core network at 15% and the remaining 23% was for support systems. Imri Mokhtar, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “We continue to face various headwinds from competitive market dynamics. Nonetheless, we held revenue steady over the quarter, and saw our cost reduction initiatives bearing fruit, by recording improved operational performance for QoQ and YoY. However, in light of the continued pressure from industry and market challenges and its impact on our revenue thus far, we have taken a prudent view, by undertaking the impairment of our network assets – this resulted in close to a RM1.0 billion impairment loss this quarter.” “The operational improvement in 3Q2018 is testament to the Group’s commitment to the four (4) pillars of our Performance Improvement Programme (PIP 2018) - Revenue Uplift / Preservation, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity that will navigate us through these headwinds. We are rationalising our business, reducing operating costs and focusing our resources on the opportunities that will have the most impact,” Imri elaborated. “We currently have 2.29 million broadband customers and our unifi customer base continues to grow at 1.26 million as at end of 3Q2018 as compared to 1.06 million as at the end of the corresponding quarter last year. In terms of convergence, we saw more customers moving up the value chain with having triple-play services and above, evidenced by our convergence penetration now at 48% of TM’s household penetration compared with 39% this time last year,” he added. “We will continue to strengthen our products and services portfolio and we are stepping up how we aggressively compete in the market, with greater sales and Go-To-Market activities on the ground. We are also working hard to reach more customers with various fit-for-purpose technologies to ensure that everyone can have the benefit of higher broadband speeds and enhanced experience. On top of that, we also have continuous engagements with the Ministry and the regulator to work toward mutually beneficial outcomes - for an improved broadband experience and help build a more balanced and inclusive digital nation, whilst at the same time balancing the business sustainability of the Group and the interests of our other stakeholders.” TM also announced a revised dividend policy which states that the Company intends to distribute yearly dividends of 40 to 60% from its PATAMI. Dividends will be paid depending on overall business and earnings performance, capital commitments, financial conditions, distributable reserves and other relevant factors. The dividend policy will take effect from the next dividend declaration. “This is a matter of great importance to us. In light of the current operating landscape and after careful consideration of the potential impact on our earnings alongside our efforts to transform the Company to adapt thereto, the Board has determined the review of our dividend policy to support TM’s long-term strategic objectives.” As Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM remains committed to fulfilling Malaysians’ digital and communication needs of all customer segments i.e., consumer, SME, corporate enterprises, public sectors, access seekers etc via our business clusters, unifi (consumer & SME), TM ONE (Enterprise and Public sectors) and TM Global (Global and Wholesale). Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2018 The recent industry challenges and market environment have had major impact to the overall revenue estimates and earnings of TM Group in the financial year. TM anticipates that the challenging environment will persist for both its retail and wholesale segments. In the midst of these challenges, TM will continue to focus towards strengthening performance of its core business and operations.
JASS smart application from TM one set to empower Johor 4.0 initiatives
New digital platform for Bangsa Johor towards achieving the State’s aspiration of ‘Membina Dekad Baharu’ TM ONE, the enterprise and public sector business solutions arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) Group, today officially unveiled Johor Application Solution and Services Hub (JASS) smart application towards realising the State Government’s Johor 4.0 initiatives. The unveiling of the smart application took place at the Johor 4.0: Digitalising Bangsa Johor launch event held at the Indoor Arena, EduCity Sports Complex, Nusajaya, Johor. The launching ceremony of Johor 4.0 and unveiling of JASS was graced by YAB Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Chief Minister of Johor. Also present were YB Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Tun Said Keruak, Minister of Communication and Multimedia, Azizi A Hadi, Executive Vice President / Chief Executive Officer, TM ONE and Ahmad Nasri Mohamed, State Vice President, TM Johor. Johor 4.0 is the State Government’s initiative to position Johor as the southern economic powerhouse. It is set to spearhead its digital economy through digitalisation of the State Government and services it offers, as well as the citizens of Johor. TM, through TM ONE, and Digital Johor Sdn Bhd (DJSB) a State-based company, have collaborated to develop the JASS smart application hub which is set to empower Johor 4.0 initiatives via eight (8) strategic thrusts of Digitalising Bangsa Johor encompassing: • Intelligent Johor – Data Driven Digital Economy • Integrated Intelligent Digital Network & Mobility Infrastructure, • Unified Service Delivery Platform to Rakyat & Tourists, • Trusted & Efficient State Government seen by Private Sector & Rakyat, • Digital Johor Lifestyle – Digital-on-Things (IoT & 4th Industrial Revolution – 4IR), • Digital Johor Halal Hub, • Digital Johor Agropolitan, and • Digital Johor Innovation X-Celerator. Commenting on the latest collaboration, Azizi A Hadi said, “We are indeed very pleased with the introduction of the JASS application hub as a single platform for the citizens of Johor to look for essential applications to support the digital lifestyle. As the only enabler for businesses and public sector to realise full potential of digital opportunities, this collaboration also provides the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities and expertise to deliver customised and innovative product and services that are well suited for our customer’s journey towards their digital transformation.” With JASS, the communities in Johor will be able to easily access mobile applications that will enhance their lives from a single hub, true to TM’s promise of “Life Made Easier”. It will serve as a platform to enable a digitalised lifestyle, as well as to accelerate the dissemination of information, new services and initiatives for the rakyat of Johor. As a start, JASS features five (5) key categories encompassing utilities, local services, federal services, transportation and finance services. Several other categories and features will be added in stages to enable the rakyat of Johor fully embrace a digital lifestyle. “This collaboration does not only reflect TM’s support in making Johor a data-driven state to accelerate its economic growth towards becoming a regional and global business hub. It is also a testament to our commitment, through TM ONE, to empower our clients with customised value-based innovative digital solutions to make Johor a developed state and enrich the lives of Rakyat Johor, in line with our vision of, “Making Life and Business Easier, for a better Malaysia”,” added Azizi. Following the recent announcement of TM as the strategic partner for the nation’s Digital Education Transformation Initiative, Johor 4.0 initiative also includes transforming the landscape of Johor education system and improves the digital experience for students and teachers, in line with Digital Johor Aspiration and National Education Blueprint. To portray its role under the Digital Education Transformation, TM ONE also features a preview on the four (4) pillars of Smart Connectivity, Smart Living, Smart Learning and Smart Community at the event, showcasing the digital experience encompassing high speed broadband connectivity, interactive smartboard, smart devices, as well as the methodology of teaching and learning the 21st century way. For more information on TM ONE and its product offerings, log on to tmone.com.my.
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