MCMC to foster closer co-operation with state governments

  • Aims to facilitate the development of infrastructure in support of the NFCP
  • Commitment and co-operation by telcos with relevant stakeholders is important

 

MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak (7th from left) with CEOs of the telecommunications companies

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission hopes to foster closer co-operation with all state governments in the country in its efforts to facilitate the development of digital infrastructure in support of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP).

MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said, close co-operation is necessary to ensure effective implementation of initiatives under the NFCP, including to increase connectivity, so that the rakyat will be able to enjoy better broadband coverage and quality, whilst ensuring continued growth of the local communications and multimedia industry.

Among NFCP targets include availability of broadband with the average speed of 30Mbps in 98% of populated areas and Gigabit availability in all state capitals by 2023. Both these targets can only be achieved through close co-operation between MCMC, the industry and state governments.

The national broadband penetration rate for every 100 households grew from 117.3% to 121.1% in 2018, of which 36.8 million subscribers were recorded for mobile broadband compared with only 2.66 million fixed broadband subscribers.

“Fixed broadband subscription rates are still low compared to mobile broadband, and in this regard, the government with the co-operation of state governments hopes to catalyse the development of digital infrastructure that can support the availability of high speed broadband in the whole country. This is consistent with NFCP’s objective of providing the rakyat with a robust, pervasive, high quality and affordable digital connectivity for the well-being of the people and progress of the country”, added Al-Ishsal.

”Within this context, the Government through MCMC and the industry is committed to giving its full support to state governments in developing an inclusive digital infrastructure at an efficient cost, as well as sharing industry best practices.”

Al-Ishsal also stated that MCMC will be holding high-level meetings with senior officials from the Perak, Sarawak, Kedah, Melaka and Selangor state governments in the coming weeks. These meetings promise to be the first step towards fostering closer co-operation with all state governments.

 

MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak with the Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow

On May 11, 2019, the Penang State Government with MCMC held a meeting with the chief executives of the country's major telecommunications companies to discuss the development of telecommunications infrastructure in the state. Following this meeting, a Special Task Force chaired by the Penang Chief Minister will be formed for the co-ordination, planning and implementation of all matters relating to telecommunications in Penang.

The meeting was significant as it was the first time a tripartite meeting was held by a state government with major telecommunications companies and the MCMC as the regulatory body of the country's communications and multimedia industry.

In the meeting, the Penang State Government introduced the Penang Connectivity Master Plan in line with the Penang 2030 vision of a smart state.

MCMC welcomes the Penang Connectivity Master Plan and hopes that other governments can also formulate such plans that could contribute to the achievement of the NFCP's goal of upgrading the quality of connectivity and improving the country's economic competitiveness.

 

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