KUALA LUMPUR: The construction of new telecommunication towers for broadband and 4G services will be implemented immediately, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said tenders for the projects would be issued within four weeks from now.
"In my and the government's views, the issue of connectivity and the internet is considered as a human right. We want to see all Malaysians, whether in the interior or wherever they are, they need to get this access, not only connectivity but with high quality," he said this when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's royal address, in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this in his response to the interjection of Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PAS-Pasir Mas) on the slow implementation of the construction of telecommunication towers, despite already being in the planning of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative.
Annuar said among the locations where telecommunication towers will be built in stages were Hulu Rajang (59 towers), Julau (47), Betong (40), Beaufort (26) and Pasir Mas (two).
He added that his ministry also targeted the transition of coverage from 3G to 4G to be fully achieved by the end of this year.
In the meantime, Annuar urged MPs whose constituencies have telecommunication coverage problems and need the construction of towers, to inform him, so that a study for the construction of the infrastructure can be carried out immediately.
He also said that the ministry, through the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), has been implementing various programmes to provide opportunities to target groups, including young people, to reap the benefits and opportunities in the digital world.
He added that the programmes included the Global Online Workforce (Glow) under PENJANA, which was introduced in September last year to help 10,000 individuals from three target groups, namely, individuals who lost their jobs, affected income sources (salary cuts of more than 50 per cent) and unemployed graduates.
He said until June 30, a total of 10,200 participants were trained and mentored, and managed to generate accumulated income amounting to RM15.29 million.
In addition, there are also the MyDigitalWorkforce Work in Tech (MYWIT) initiative to improve employee skills; Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTI), in an effort to produce high-quality graduates who meet the needs of the industry; as well as an e-commerce campaign aimed at encouraging small, medium and micro enterprises to use the platform and e-commerce applications to expand the market.
On the Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (MERS 999), Annuar said that it would be improved in the future, to be able to display more accurate location information automatically for incoming calls to the MERS 999 call centre.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Sep 22 2021
The construction of new telecommunication towers for broadband and 4G services will be implemented immediately, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa. - Information Dept photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
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.