PUTRAJAYA: Expediting the implementation of 5G technology and strengthening cybersecurity technology are among the five main focuses of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) this year.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the other three focuses of KKMM were increasing foreign investment in the digital economy, internationalising Malaysia's creative industry and transforming Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would focus on the successful implementation of 5G technology which would complete internet connectivity nationwide and be a catalyst for the development of a more vibrant digital economy.
According to him, until December last year, the National Digital Infrastructure Plan (JENDELA) led by MCMC has managed to reach 5.4 million premises covered by fibre optics, mobile broadband speed of 25.6 Mbps and 92.03 percent 4G coverage.
"KKMM has also managed to get the government's approval to make telecommunication services a public utility," he said when launching the “Menghormati Lambang-Lambang Kebesaran Negara” (Respecting National Emblems) book and KKMM Annual Report Card March 2020-March 2021 here today.
Also present were KKMM secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mokhtar Hussain.
To strengthen cybersecurity technology, Saifuddin said CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) would implement SiberKasa to develop, empower and strengthen the country's cybersecurity infrastructure.
"This covers three main components, namely people, processes and technology. As an internationally recognised agency, CSM will expand its involvement at ASEAN and international levels," he said.
He said CSM had played a significant role in ensuring the resilience of the systems used by ministries and government agencies, including through the #OpsWakeUp21 operation in which it is capable of thwarting cyberattacks.
"It has also resolved 90.16 per cent of the cases investigated and 92.34 per cent of the complaint cases received. The #CyberSAFE cyber security awareness programme has benefited more than 30,000 individuals," he said.
Saifuddin said the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) would work with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to increase foreign investment in the digital economy.
According to him, various programmes organised by MDEC such as Local e-Commerce Services (PeDAS) and e-Rezeki have expanded the involvement and increased the capabilities of various groups and levels of society including persons with disabilities (PwD) which has benefited 420,000 people.
As for the internationalisation of Malaysia's creative industry, Saifuddin said KKMM would start the Road to Oscar and Road to Grammy as well as the Kuala Lumpur Cultural and Heritage Trail action plans.
He said KKMM would also organise the first Malaysian International Nasyid Awards this year which would recognise Malaysia as the Home of Contemporary Nasyid.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said that this year, his ministry would start a comprehensive transformation plan for RTM, which was to feature anchors or news programmes and current affairs that could attract more audience.
"The transformation also includes promoting the RTM Orchestra to the international level and launching a new sports channel," he said.
Over the past year, he said, KKMM had played an instrumental role in the formulation of several new policies including MyDigital, creative industry development, gig economy as a formal economy and Rukun Negara education.
According to the KKMM Annual Report Card, the five key achievements of the ministry last year were JENDELA, the implementation of the Malaysian Creative Industry Stimulus Package (PRISMA) which benefits the creative industry; driving the digital economy, the ASEAN Digital Master Plan and elevating the nasyid industry.
pThrough the implementation of JENDELA, 92 per cent of 4G mobile broadband coverage is now in populated areas until the third quarter of 2020 and the average increase in mobile broadband is 25.6 Mbps./p
To drive the country's economy through digitisation, the Digital Economy Task Force (DETF) has been set up to coordinate the implementation of various digital economy initiatives to drive the country's economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the report card, 30,588 individuals have participated in the CyberSAFE programme in an effort to strengthen the country's cybersecurity last year, adding that KKMM also strengthened the country's digital laws by conducting a study on the proposed creation of the Anti-Cyber Bullying Act.
The distribution of the questionnaire was conducted from Nov 20 to Dec 4 last year involving 1,857 respondents with the majority demanding the enactment of specific legislation.
In addition, the efficiency and effectiveness of government communications management were enhanced with the existence of the COVID-19 war room and the KKMM rapid response team where 416 false news denials were published.
PRISMA was launched on Feb 5 this year to support the development of the creative industry in the country with RM89.2 million provided under the existing development allocation to implement 32 programmes.
According to the report card, the package will benefit more than 9,000 creative industry players with over 40,000 jobs to be created.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Mar 16 2021
Saifuddin said the other three focuses of KKMM were increasing foreign investment in the digital economy, internationalising Malaysia's creative industry and transforming Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). - Filepic/BERNAMA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.