National broadband coverage exceeds 66 percent

The national broadband coverage is now at 66.7 percent, a significant improvement from 21.8 percent in 2008, the Dewan Rakyat sitting was informed today.

Communication and Multimedia deputy minister Datuk Jailani Johari noted that Kuala Lumpur enjoyed the highest coverage at 107.5 percent.

"Negeri Sembilan recorded an average of 74.4 percent, Putrajaya (80.9), Penang (97.7) and Selangor (76.9)," he said in response to Zainudin Ismail (BN-Jelebu) who had queried on the national broadband coverage and achievement by states.

Jailani said the increase was as a result of various programmes implemented by the ministry and Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission, such as the wireless village project, 1Malaysia internet centres, construction of telecommunication towers and distribution of 1Malaysia netbooks, especially to rural communities.

Zainudin then asked about steps taken to handle internet abuse, to which Jailani replied that the ministry has implemented among others the 'click smart' programme to raise awareness on internet safety and is also reviewing existing laws on the matter.