MCMC pledges effective implementation of Budget 2027 digital initiatives, including RM5 billion for JENDELA, rural Internet access, digital healthcare, AI training and cybersecurity
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is committed to ensuring that every initiative announced under Budget 2027 is implemented effectively and delivers tangible benefits to the people, industry and the country.
In a statement today, the statutory body established under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 said it was confident that the initiatives would continue to drive digital economic development and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a competitive digital nation.
“Among the key initiatives announced is an allocation of RM5 billion for the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) project to expand high-quality Internet coverage in rural and remote areas, including Orang Asli villages.
“The allocation also covers improved connectivity along 7,000 kilometres of roads and highways, as well as 1,700 kilometres of rail routes nationwide,” it said.
MCMC said a further RM1 billion had been allocated to strengthen the country’s digital healthcare ecosystem through the National Digital Health Ecosystem and Connectivity initiative.
The initiative will enhance digital infrastructure and connectivity in the healthcare sector, including supporting the expansion of the Electronic Medical Record system, telehealth services and the use of drones to deliver medicines, thereby improving access to healthcare in rural and remote areas.
Another RM142 million has been allocated to strengthen the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) as a digital community hub through digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI) training, while supporting local economic development and entrepreneurship.
MCMC also said the development of the MADANI Submarine Cable System would increase the capacity and resilience of network connections between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak to support more inclusive and sustainable digital economic growth.
In the education sector, the provision of Wi-Fi at all public higher education institutions would expand students’ Internet access while supporting digital learning and future talent development.
To strengthen digital security, the development of a Sovereign AI Cloud and efforts to enhance national cybersecurity would focus on data sovereignty, safe AI development and the resilience of the digital ecosystem.
MCMC will also continue to intensify the Safe Internet Campaign in schools nationwide and combat digital fraud, including through measures that have blocked more than 5.7 billion scam-related calls and short message service (SMS) messages.