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?
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how we define progress in this digital age. Usually, we point to speed. We want pages to load instantly and downloads to finish in seconds. In Malaysia, we’ve chased that "blistering speed" narrative with incredible intensity through the JENDELA plan. But lately, I’ve been asking myself: is a fast connection enough if the cost keeps people locked out, or if rural communities are still struggling for a basic signal?
The JENDELA Sprint: Where We Stand in 2026
When JENDELA launched, the goal was to overhaul our digital backbone. Looking at the latest data from early 2026, we aren't just hitting targets; we are smashing them. Populated area coverage has climbed to nearly 100%, and our median mobile speeds have skyrocketed from 25 Mbps to over 140 Mbps in just a few years.
It feels great to see these stats, but infrastructure is only half the battle. We’ve built world-class digital highways, but we haven't checked to see if everyone can afford the "car" or if they even know how to drive it.
The Reality Check: Four Gaps We Need to Close
If we want a digital policy that actually works for everyone, we have to look beyond bandwidth. From my perspective, there are four major hurdles we still haven't cleared:
The Geographic Divide: It’s easy to feel connected in Kuala Lumpur. But in rural Sabah or Sarawak, the gap is glaring. While coverage is technically "there," the quality often drops the moment you step away from a major town.
The Price of Staying Online: We rank well for quality, but affordability is a different story. For many in the B40 group, even a "subsidized" plan represents a significant chunk of their monthly income.
Digital Literacy: Speed is useless if you don't have the skills to leverage it. We are still handing out high-tech tools without providing the full "manual" to every citizen, especially the elderly and those in remote areas.
The Trust Factor: As we get faster, we get more vulnerable. A high-speed connection that leads a user straight into a sophisticated scam isn't a benefit; it's a liability.
My Take: How We Fix the Focus
I believe we need to stop measuring success solely by Mbps. The government’s recent shift toward the SALAM submarine cable and rural AI initiatives is a step in the right direction, but to truly succeed, we need to focus on:
Tailored Tech: Using LEO satellites for the deep interior instead of trying to force fiber optics everywhere.
True Affordability: Mandating basic, zero-rated access for essential education and government services.
Human-Centric Policy: Shifting from a "speed-first" model to one that prioritizes digital justice and inclusion.
Fast internet is a hallmark of modernization, but inclusive internet is a hallmark of a developed society. I’m glad we’re sprinting, but I want to make sure we aren't running so fast that we forget to look back and see who’s struggling to keep up.