Satellite Measat-3B not for spying purposes - Ahmad Shabery

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Malaysia's latest satellite, MEASAT-3b which was successfully launched into orbit early this morning, is for broadcasting purposes and not to spy.

He said the launch of the new satellite was to strengthen the broadcast industry, not only in this country but also in the Asian region, including Australia.

"This is a communications satellite for broadcasting purposes, do not think it is a spy satellite," he told reporters when met here today.

He said the communications satellite, worth US$350 million (RM1.12 billion) would be fully operational in the near future when it was in the right location in orbit.

Malaysia's latest satellite MEASAT-3b was successfully launched from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourau, French Guiana at 7.05pm on Thursday (local time) or (6.05am Friday, Malaysian time).

MEASAT-3b will be fully operating on Oct 15, and is expected to have a lifespan of about 15 years.

It would extend MEASAT's efforts in broadcast and telecommunications satellite services in Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia and South Asia.

Ahmad Shabery added that Malaysia was expected to reap many benefits from the launch of the satellite, especially in the broadcast and communications industry.