Melaka: The Public Higher Education Institution (IPTA) Wi-Fi project, aimed at enhancing internet access across 539 locations nationwide, is on track for completion by September, with 55 percent of the sites already equipped with Wi-Fi, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the RM664 million initiative, fully funded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) via the Universal Service Provision (USP) initiative, seeks to bolster infrastructure and expand internet coverage across university campuses. The project involves the installation of tens of thousands of access points (APs) featuring advanced Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 technology in strategic areas such as lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, student centers, and residential facilities.
The project, encompassing IPTA and skills training institutions under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), has seen the completion of Phases 1 and 2 across 191 locations. Phase 3 is currently underway at MARA and KESUMA institutions, with 42 of the 204 locations completed, marking a 21 percent completion rate. For MARA institutions, 60 out of 110 sites are operational, while KESUMA has completed work at one out of its 34 locations.
In Melaka, the project has achieved 44 percent completion, with 1,399 new APs activated across 10 IPTA as of last August. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has notably progressed under Phase 3, installing 302 additional APs ahead of schedule on Aug 27. This brings the total to 410 operational APs at UTeM, including those from Phase 2 completed in June 2025.
UTeM student representative Muhammad Quwayyis Khairuddin highlighted the significance of the enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, noting its importance for students residing in on-campus accommodations and utilizing various university facilities. The Ministry's efforts have been pivotal in ensuring that students have the reliable internet access needed for academic projects and assignments.