Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is partnering with the Penang government to expand the adoption of the MCMC Nexus application among residents. This initiative aims to enhance internet accessibility across the region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasized that the app, developed by MCMC, allows the commission to take proactive measures informed by real-time data provided by users. This proactive approach enables the MCMC to address internet service issues promptly without waiting for user complaints, facilitating more efficient directives to telecommunication companies for issue resolution. Fahmi made these remarks during a visit to the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) 4G tower in Tanjung Asam, Bayan Lepas, as part of the ‘Where There Are Roads, There Is Internet’ programme.
In attendance were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who also serves as the Penang Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker. The MCMC Nexus app empowers users to evaluate and monitor internet service quality in real-time, featuring an internet speed test. The data collected is directly transmitted to MCMC and service providers for immediate action and network improvements.
During the programme, Fahmi, on a two-day working visit to Penang, noted that the Tanjung Asam MOCN tower is one of five six-directional 4G MOCN towers aimed at boosting connectivity, particularly in areas with limited coverage under the ‘Where There Are Roads, There Is Internet’ policy. Other towers are situated in Ikon Tengkolok and Bukit Putus Scout Camp in Negeri Sembilan, Prima Gambang in Pahang, and the Kota Seri Langat Toll Plaza on the West Coast Expressway (WCE) in Banting, Selangor.
Fahmi highlighted that the initiative results from collaboration between the industry and MCMC, with a network-sharing framework that allows all telcos to collaborate using a single tower, especially in crucial but sparsely populated areas. These towers can accommodate up to six telcos, making this model suitable for significant routes lacking nearby residential settlements.
He further explained that the development of MOCN towers is facilitated by support from state government and local authorities in securing necessary permits, alongside engineering expertise to overcome the challenging terrain and soil conditions in Tanjung Asam.