Fahmi: RM150m Postal Fund to begin operations in first quarter of 2027

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has set aside RM150 million for the Postal Fund, which is scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the fund aims to guarantee the smooth implementation of the Universal Service Obligation (USO), which is crucial for mail delivery services in rural areas, remote regions, and islands.

"With rapid technological changes, the expansion of the digital economy and the growth of e-commerce necessitate adjustments to policy, legislation, and operations.

"The government's focus is ensuring that postal and courier sector workers are well protected, their welfare safeguards maintained, and that they receive fair compensation and wages," he said after officiating World Post Day.

Fahmi said the Postal Fund will be managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and will operate on a framework similar to the Universal Service Provision (USP) fund in the telecommunications sector.

"Although the fund has been provided for under the Postal Services Act since 2012, no previous administration had taken steps to start it until now," he added.

Fahmi said MCMC will issue a full statement detailing the fund's expanded scope, which will go beyond basic postal services to cover goods deliveries to remote areas outside urban centres.