Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance communications infrastructure across the country's extensive highway system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MoU is designed to expedite the development of digital infrastructure alongside physical infrastructure to enhance telecommunications coverage and service quality, thereby supporting the nation's economic growth. The agreement was signed in the presence of Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, with MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and LLM chairman Datuk Seri Ir Hasni Mohammad exchanging the documents.
During the event, Fahmi emphasized that improving communications coverage along highways represents a strategic investment, enhancing public safety and boosting economic productivity while advancing Malaysia's digital transformation. He noted that the collaboration reflects the principles of Malaysia MADANI and the government's commitment to digital inclusivity, encapsulated in the slogan "Di Mana Ada Jalan, Di Situ Ada Internet" (Where There Is a Road, There Is Internet).
The event was attended by key figures including Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, and Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim. Fahmi highlighted that the collaboration would not only enhance network coverage but also ensure safer travel for highway users through improved access to emergency communications, navigation tools, and real-time traffic data.
Furthermore, Fahmi outlined the collaboration's potential to drive economic growth and aid the logistics sector, which increasingly depends on data and digital connectivity for vehicle monitoring, fleet management, and efficient goods movement. The initiative also aims to lay the groundwork for future mobility technologies, including intelligent transport systems, the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system, and various smart mobility projects requiring robust communications infrastructure.
The MoU signifies the government's intention to extend digital development beyond urban areas to transportation corridors. To ensure effective implementation, MCMC and LLM will form a Joint Task Force to coordinate project execution, prioritize areas, and swiftly address challenges. This integrated approach is expected to resolve issues related to site access, technical approvals, and development coordination, accelerating benefits for the public.
According to a joint statement by the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Works, the collaboration exemplifies the MADANI government's dedication to fostering cross-ministerial and inter-agency cooperation through a comprehensive government approach for efficient, integrated, and impactful project execution. The agencies will collaborate to develop communications infrastructure at locations needing improved coverage, including areas with weak signals or frequent dropped calls, by utilizing highway reserve land or the Right of Way (ROW).
The statement further detailed that MCMC had invited proposals on May 15 to enhance internet coverage through the construction of communications towers along 10 LLM-managed highways identified as having weak coverage. These include the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2), the West Coast Expressway (WCE), and challenging locations such as the Menora Tunnel and Gua Tempurung on the North-South Expressway (PLUS).