GEORGE TOWN: The Communication Ministry will prioritise the implementation of the Internet connection in the Budget 2025, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said remote areas, interiors and islands would be prioratised through the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"Through the programme, we will assist in equipping as many schools as possible with Wifi," he said after attending a “Sembang Santai bersama Komuniti Madani Pulau Pinang” in Kampung Batu Uban, Gelugor, on Saturday night (Oct 5).
Fahmi said the ministry was reprimanded by the Auditor General’s Report Series 2 2024 regarding the Point of Presence (PoP) Project. There was a need to equip about 4,000 schools with internet services.
The PoP Project aims to close the digital gap in rural areas by enabling schools to use the public school's infrastructure (fibre) so that the school, the government premises and the surrounding housing areas can access high-speed broadband services. It was launched before Fahmi was appointed minister.
With him at the helm, Fahmi said the Communication Ministry would also focus on improving access to the Internet in public university campuses, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim suggested.
"I have asked the MCMC to quickly prepare a draft together with the Higher Education Ministry (KPT) to identify campuses that have Internet issues, Internet from outside or Internet wifi,” said Fahmi.
The Budget 2025 themed “Ekonomi Madani, Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera” will be tabled in Parliament by the Prime Minister on Oct 18. – Bernama