Is Malaysia’s Internet Policy Too Focused on Speed?
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Focus on speed raises an important question: Is Malaysia prioritizing performance over inclusion?
In the fast-paced world of digital transformation, high-speed internet is often seen as a hallmark of modernization. But when it comes to national internet policy, should speed be the ultimate goal — or merely one component of a broader vision for inclusive, sustainable development?
Malaysia has made remarkable strides in recent years with its National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) , a bold initiative aimed at catapulting the country into a digitally empowered future. With ambitious targets for broadband coverage and blistering speeds, Malaysia has exceeded expectations in building out its digital infrastructure. Yet, beneath the impressive metrics lies a growing concern: Is Malaysia's internet policy overly focused on speed at the expense of other critical dimensions of digital inclusion?
Let’s take a closer look.
🚀 JENDELA: Malaysia’s Lightning-Fast Leap Forward
Launched in 2020 under the 12th Malaysia Plan, JENDELA (Jalinan Digital Negara) is a RM21 billion national connectivity plan designed to upgrade Malaysia’s digital backbone. Its goals are nothing short of ambitious:
Achieve 100% 4G coverage in populated areas by 2025.
Deliver average mobile broadband speeds of 100 Mbps .
Enable gigabit access for fixed broadband connections across millions of premises.
And so far, the results have been impressive.
By Q4 of 2024:
Over 9.03 million premises were connected via fiber.
Mobile broadband speeds averaged an astounding 105 Mbps , surpassing earlier targets.
98.66% of populated areas had 4G coverage.
Infrastructure investments have been equally robust. Thousands of new towers have been erected, thousands more upgraded, and fiber optic networks expanded significantly — particularly in states like Sarawak and Sabah.
But while these achievements paint a picture of rapid progress, they also raise a key question: Are we building highways without ensuring everyone has a car?
🌐 Beyond Speed: The Missing Pieces of the Puzzle
A truly transformative internet policy must go beyond bandwidth and signal strength. It must address four pillars that define digital equity : accessibility, affordability, literacy, and security.
📍 Accessibility: Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide
Despite JENDELA’s urban success stories, rural Malaysia continues to lag behind.
As of 2022, urban households enjoyed 98.1% internet access , compared to just 89.1% in rural areas .
Fixed-line broadband penetration was even more skewed: 53.3% in cities vs. 23.7% in the countryside .
To its credit, JENDELA Phase 2 is targeting 100% coverage in populated areas by 2025, using technologies like LEO satellite, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and Free-Space Optics (FSO) . Pilot projects in remote islands and indigenous settlements are already underway.
Still, many rural communities — especially in East Malaysia — report inconsistent service, forcing residents to travel long distances for stable connections.
“I live in a village in Sarawak. I can stream Netflix, but only if I walk two kilometers uphill to the nearest tower.”
– Anonymous user, 2024 survey
This isn’t digital inclusion; it’s geographic exclusion masked by aggregate numbers .
💰 Affordability: Cheap for Whom?
Malaysia ranks high globally in terms of internet quality , but not quite as impressively when it comes to affordability.
According to the 2024 Digital Quality of Life Index , Malaysians spend around 3 hours and 9 minutes per month working to afford fixed broadband — more than in countries with the most affordable internet.
While mobile data remains relatively cheap (about 0.54% of GNI per capita ), fixed broadband costs (2.2% ) still exceed the Broadband Commission’s target of less than 2% by 2025.
The government has introduced initiatives like the Unity Package and Program Jaringan Prihatin , offering low-cost plans for youth, seniors, and B40 communities. However, critics argue these programs lack reach and consistency.
“RM39/month for 100Mbps sounds great — until you realize I earn RM1,200/month and live in a village where that speed doesn’t exist.”
– Low-income user from Kelantan
Affordability must be contextualized — not just about price tags, but about whether those prices translate into meaningful access for all.
🧠 Digital Literacy: Can You Use It If You Have It?
High-speed internet means little if users don’t know how to use it effectively. That’s where digital literacy comes in.
Malaysia has rolled out several initiatives:
MyDIGITAL Blueprint aims to build a digitally competent workforce.
AI untuk Rakyat demystifies artificial intelligence through online learning.
SAYA DIGITAL campaigns promote skills training across demographics.
Budget 2024 allocated RM1 billion specifically for digital literacy programs.
Yet, despite these efforts, gaps persist. Many rural schools still lack basic digital tools. Elderly populations and persons with disabilities often remain excluded from the digital mainstream.
Without targeted interventions — especially in education and community-based training — the digital divide will continue to widen, even as speeds increase.
🔒 Cybersecurity: Building Trust in the Digital Age
With greater connectivity comes greater vulnerability. Recognizing this, Malaysia passed the Cyber Security Act 2024 , which strengthens legal frameworks, establishes the National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) , and enhances protections for critical infrastructure.
While this marks a significant step forward, public awareness remains low. Many users still fall victim to phishing scams, ransomware, and identity theft — issues that require both technical safeguards and mass digital education .
⚖️ The Big Question: Is Speed Being Overemphasized?
Malaysia’s obsession with speed is understandable. High-speed internet enables streaming, remote work, e-learning, telehealth, and countless other innovations. It’s a powerful symbol of modernity and progress.
But focusing too heavily on speed can lead to policy tunnel vision — prioritizing infrastructure over people, performance over participation, and coverage over capability.
Consider this:
Urban areas benefit disproportionately from high-speed upgrades.
Rural and marginalized communities may gain access, but not quality or affordability.
Digital literacy lags , leaving many unable to fully utilize what’s available.
Regulatory changes risk limiting freedom of expression under the guise of safety.
If Malaysia wants to become a truly digitally inclusive society , it must shift from a speed-centric model to a human-centric one .
📈 Lessons from Abroad: What Can Malaysia Learn?
Looking beyond our borders, several countries offer valuable lessons in holistic digital policy:
South Korea combines cutting-edge infrastructure with strong emphasis on digital education and innovation ecosystems.
Norway ensures universal access through state-backed infrastructure and competitive ISP markets.
Singapore invests heavily in smart nation initiatives, blending high-speed connectivity with inclusive policies.
India leverages digital public infrastructure to provide services at scale, even in remote regions.
These models show that speed alone does not guarantee digital empowerment. A balanced approach — combining accessibility, affordability, education, and trust — is essential.
🎯 Recommendations: Toward a More Balanced Internet Policy
To ensure Malaysia’s digital future benefits everyone , here are some actionable steps:
Expand Rural Connectivity with Tailored Solutions
Invest in satellite, FWA, and optical technologies suited for remote regions. Ensure minimum service standards apply nationwide.Make Internet Truly Affordable
Mandate ISPs to offer basic, subsidized packages . Expand subsidies for the B40 group and consider zero-rating educational platforms .Scale Up Digital Literacy Programs
Integrate digital skills into school curricula. Partner with NGOs and tech companies to deliver localized, accessible training .Ensure Web Accessibility for All
Enforce WCAG standards for public websites. Provide assistive technology support and training for persons with disabilities.Strengthen Cybersecurity Awareness
Launch sustained public campaigns on safe online behavior. Embed cybersecurity basics in school and adult education programs.Reassess Content Regulation Frameworks
Ensure regulatory measures protect children and combat harmful content — without infringing on fundamental rights . Encourage transparency and stakeholder dialogue.Foster Innovation and Startups
Create regulatory sandboxes , fund R&D in emerging tech, and streamline digital business licensing to spur homegrown innovation.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Fast Isn’t Enough — We Need Fair, Inclusive, and Secure
Malaysia’s internet policy has sprinted ahead — and that’s a good thing. But the real race isn’t just about who gets there first. It’s about making sure no one is left behind .
As Malaysia moves toward its vision of becoming a fully digital nation , it must remember that speed without inclusion is just noise . True digital transformation requires more than fiber-optic cables and 5G towers — it needs people-centered policies , community-driven solutions , and a commitment to digital justice .
Only then can Malaysia claim to be not just fast — but truly connected.
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