The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was established on 1 November 1998, under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 (MCMCA), to promote and regulate the communications and multimedia industry. Its portfolio was expanded on 1 November 2001, when the MCMC was given the additional responsibility of regulating postal and courier services, under the Postal Services Act 1991 (PSA), and certification services, under the Digital Signatures Act 1997 (DSA).

The ultimate aim of the MCMC is to create a globally competitive, efficient and increasingly self-regulated postal, communications and multimedia industry capable of generating growth to meet the socio-economic needs of Malaysia.

As regulator for the Communications and Multimedia industry, the MCMC is guided by 10 national policy objectives as set out in Section 3 (2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA). These serve primarily to create an equitable knowledge society that enjoys quality life enhanced by accessible information resources. Such a society is rich in its own culture yet appreciates the cultural diversity within a global context.

Towards this end, the MCMC is committed to promoting access to a healthy range of postal, communications and multimedia services, offered at affordable prices. Focusing on the long-term benefit of customers, it supports a robust and secure applications environment, thus elevating consumers' confidence in the industry. It is also involved in attracting a skilled workforce to the industry, to ensure its viability.

At the same time, the MCMC itself endeavours to be transparent in its regulatory processes, and regularly consults with consumers and service providers to facilitate greater industry collaboration.

The MCMC acts as an adviser to the Minister of Energy, Water and Communications on all matters concerning communications and multimedia. As stated in the MCMCA, the MCMC is empowered both to implement and enforce communications and multimedia laws, and to regulate all related matters not provided for in these laws.

It also performs the role of a watchdog, in ensuring players in the industry abide by the rules and regulations while at the same time encouraging self-regulation within the industry.

Finally, to enhance partnerships and promote co-operation within the industry, the MCMC acts as a catalyst in bringing together the various parties concerned.