Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil (right) believes that the PoP initiative will open up opportunities for digital economic growth in rural areas.
IN a significant push towards nationwide digital inclusion, Malaysia’s government continues its commitment to bringing high-quality internet access to every corner of the country through the Project Point of Presence (PoP) initiative.
Aligned with the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), PoP aims to establish broadband connectivity infrastructure that serves schools, residential areas, businesses and government premises – effectively narrowing the digital divide, especially for rural communities.
Universal internet access
PoP is an essential extension of the Jendela programme, a large-scale initiative launched by the Malaysian government under the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) in 2019.
Approved by the Cabinet on June 2, 2021, Jendela sets ambitious goals for sustainable and accessible digital connectivity across Malaysia.
With a targeted 100% internet coverage in populated areas by 2025, the initiative is overseen by the Communications Ministry and executed through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Jendela has made steady progress since its rebranding from the NFCP, delivering fibre optic access to 8.82 million premises and achieving a median mobile broadband speed of 106.94 Mbps as of Aug 31.
Broadband coverage in populated areas stands at 97.28%, marking a substantial achievement in reaching both urban and rural Malaysians.
Expanding broadband access
The PoP project is a strategic addition to Jendela’s efforts. It centres on establishing fibre optic hubs, or Points of Presence, near schools to further expand broadband infrastructure within a radius of approximately 2.5km to 3km.This set-up enables surrounding areas, including residential and commercial zones, to access stable fixed-line Internet, reducing dependence on mobile connections that may be less consistent.
By focusing on connectivity around schools, PoP aims to support students, educators, industry workers and public servants.
The Communications Ministry has implemented this initiative to enhance digital economy at rural areas by providing a stable, high-quality and comprehensive internet access.
This will allow for a wide range of activities, including home-based online businesses, to be carried out.
The road ahead
The PoP project is being rolled out in two significant phases. > Phase 1 (2021–2027): With a total allocation of RM700mil, Phase 1 began in 2021 and completed the installation of broadband infrastructure by 2022, followed by a five-year maintenance period that will last until 2027. >Phase 2 (2022–2030): Building on the success of Phase 1, Phase 2 is backed by an impressive RM3.9bil allocation.
Installation efforts began in 2022 and are scheduled to run until 2025. Maintenance will continue until 2030, ensuring sustained connectivity and service reliability.
Thus far, PoP has achieved notable milestones. In 2023, 867 Points of Presence were installed in school areas and an additional 596 PoPs were completed by Sept 30.This steady progress highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to fortifying digital infrastructure, especially in underserved areas.
Transforming lives
By enhancing broadband infrastructure, PoP has the potential to transform local economies and communities in a few ways, which include:> Enhanced educational access: By providing broadband near schools, PoP enables seamless access to digital resources, enriching the learning experience for students and educators.
This connectivity supports information sharing, research and access to global knowledge, enhancing education across Malaysia. > Boosting digital economy: High-speed internet opens new opportunities for digital commerce in rural areas.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners can now conduct transactions, manage online stores and reach customers locally, benefiting especially home-based businesses and driving income growth. > Bridging the digital divide: PoP closes the connectivity gap between urban and rural communities, ensuring remote areas enjoy quality internet access.
This connectivity is key to Jendela’s vision of a digitally inclusive Malaysia, empowering rural areas with equal opportunities.As Malaysia moves closer to achieving universal internet coverage by 2025, the PoP initiative continues to pave the way for sustainable digital infrastructure, connecting the nation one fibre hub at a time.
With ongoing installations and a comprehensive maintenance plan, Malaysia is well-positioned to foster an inclusive digital economy, setting a precedent for other nations aiming to bridge the connectivity divide.
