Penang:The Public Higher Education Institution (IPTA) Wi-Fi Project has achieved 76% completion as of September 30, with Wi-Fi facilities now operational at 408 out of the 538 identified locations, according to Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ongoing project, valued at RM634.1 million, is financed through the Universal Service Provision (USP) fund under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). It includes various public higher education institutions and skills training institutions under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA).

Work has been finalized at 14 locations in Phase 1 and 177 locations in Phase 2. Phase 3 targets 206 locations, with 80 completed. For MARA institutions, 106 of the 110 locations are done, and all 31 locations for KESUMA training institutions are complete.

Teo highlighted the project's focus on high internet usage areas such as lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, student centres, and residential colleges. In Penang, 24 of 32 locations have been completed at a cost of RM61.5 million.

At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 822 additional access points were installed by September 18, raising the total operational points to 1,925. An additional 4,150 access points at the USM Main Campus are expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The IPTA Wi-Fi project, part of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative, aims to enhance high-speed internet access on public university campuses nationwide, supporting the MADANI Government's efforts to broaden digital access.