RM5b to boost internet connectivity

THE government has allocated RM5 billion to strengthen Internet connectivity under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), expand telecommunications infrastructure and improve digital access.

The Communications Ministry said the latest initiatives included expansion of 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages, Internet access along 7,000km of roads and 1,700km of railway tracks, and implementation of the Madani Submarine Cable Connection.

The ministry added that under the 2027 Budget announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, RM142 million was allocated to strengthen National Information Dissemination Centres (Nadi), and more than RM130 million to support the film, music and creative content industries.

Measures to boost the creative sector include incentives for local and international film and animation productions, with additional incentives for works showcasing Malaysian culture and national identity.

The government will also grant a full exemption from entertainment duty on tickets for local films and theatre performances in the Federal Territories from next year.

The ministry is also targeting the creation of 20 new intellectual properties and the commercialisation of Malaysian characters internationally.

Separately, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will invest RM1 billion to expand the Electronic Medical Record System to healthcare facilities nationwide.

It will also roll out the Safe Internet Campaign in all schools, focusing on tackling cyberbullying and child exploitation.