Minister Fahmi Fadzil outlines three key priorities for 2026: expanding digital networks, boosting the orange economy and improving government communications.
PUTRAJAYA: The Communications Ministry will focus next year on strengthening three key areas, namely digital infrastructure, the creative or orange economy, and the government’s strategic communication capabilities to deliver information to the public more effectively.
Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry’s top priority is digital infrastructure, which he described as the ‘staple’ of both the ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
He said that under Budget 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced several major projects to be implemented by the MCMC and the Communications Ministry, including the completion of the Point of Presence (POP) project and the rollout of Phase 2 of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA).
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“JENDELA Phase 2 will help ensure internet coverage is provided at 2,700 locations nationwide, particularly in areas that previously had no access,” he said when addressing the monthly assembly of the Communications Ministry here today.
Also present were secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Fahmi added that the MADANI Submarine Cable Connectivity (SALAM) project, announced in Budget 2026, will further strengthen internet connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.
“This is a major initiative that we hope will leave a lasting legacy for future generations, helping to unite our large family,” he said.
The construction of the 3,190-kilometre submarine cable will be undertaken by the MCMC with an allocation of RM2 billion, spanning from Sedili in Johor to Kuching and Sibu in Sarawak, before extending to Tuaran, Kudat, Pulau Banggi, Sandakan and Tawau in Sabah.
On the creative or orange economy, Fahmi said the sector is expected to grow strongly, with efforts focused on expanding into the Southeast Asian market.
He said the creative economy has the potential to produce a wide range of local products, including films, music, fashion and food, which not only attract foreign tourists but also have potential for international markets.
He added that the Communications Ministry is also ready to assist other ministries, government agencies and departments in delivering information effectively, particularly to Generation Z, aged 15 to 35, who obtain much of their information through WhatsApp, TikTok and Facebook.
Fahmi noted that while this demographic relies heavily on these platforms for information, the level of trust in such content is relatively low. – Bernama
