Paid-television service provider, Astro, came under the Parliament spotlight today when members of parliament raised disappointment over its services and exorbitant charges.

Poor reception during bad weather, charges that have doubled, lack of efficient service from Astro staff, were among the main issues raised when winding up debate on the Supply Bill 2011 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Apart from Lilah Yasin (BN-Jempol) deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee was also critical of Astro's services, claiming that Astro's response to problems was poor when he had reported of disrupted services in his house in Kota Kinabalu.

"I myself lodged a report to Astro in Kota Kinabalu, three months ago but so far no one has turned up. In this matter, I agree with Jempol (Lilah)," he told Deputy Information Communication and Culture Minister Joseph Salang Gandum when winding up debate on the bill for his minister.

Joseph said Astro used the KU-band technology and that the company was in the process of overcoming the problems, especially related to poor service during bad weather.

However, being a country with tropical climate, the factor of uncertain weather and heavy rain, cannot be avoided, he said.

"As for the poor maintenance service and quality of service, I will immediately seek Astro to act," he said.

He said there were various packages introduced by Astro and customers can choose their packages according to their needs and preference.

Meanwhile, Wee Choo Keong (Wangsa Maju-independent) and Ismail Kassim (BN-Arau) questioned why Astro were allowed to monopolize all 118 channels when the company was not offering efficient services although its packages were highly priced.

Salang said apart from Astro, nine more licences were issued to broadcast stations but they have not started their operations.

- Bernama