Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil reports 99.71% national internet coverage, with efforts ongoing to tackle service gaps and combat online disinformation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Internet coverage in populated areas across Malaysia reached 99.71% by the end of 2025.
This marks a significant increase from the 91.8% coverage recorded before the implementation of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA).
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the achievement reflects the government’s commitment to expanding inclusive digital access.
He emphasised the importance of reliable connectivity for education, economic opportunities and providing hope, especially in rural and remote communities.
“Through MCMC, the government remains committed to strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure to ensure wider and more inclusive access for all Malaysians,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
For areas where terrestrial networks are not feasible, the ministry is assessing interim solutions including satellite technology like Starlink.
The government is also encouraging infrastructure sharing among telecommunications companies to accelerate expansion.
MCMC has issued directives to certain telcos to close the gap between reported coverage and actual service quality, imposing compounds on non-compliant operators.
Fahmi addressed specific complaints, including from fishermen in Langkawi who lose signal at sea.
He said the issue of signal interference and tower limitations will be examined.
Signal disruption in border areas like Rantau Panjang, partly due to spillover from neighbouring countries, is being addressed through coordination with foreign authorities.
Priority is also being given to disaster-prone areas to ensure communications remain uninterrupted during emergencies.
This includes implementing site-hardening measures at telecommunications towers in flood-prone locations.
In a separate development, Fahmi provided data on content moderation.
From 2022 until mid-January this year, the government submitted 5,409 requests to remove manipulated images and deepfakes, with 92% successfully taken down.
For false content, 59,967 takedown requests were submitted in the same period, with 87% removed. “With the rapid growth of AI-generated content, the creation and spread of manipulative material has accelerated,” he said, noting the increased risk of misinformation.
All takedown actions were based on received complaints, platform community guidelines and applicable local laws.
