Kuala lumpur: Internet and communications coverage in populated areas nationwide reached 99.71 percent as at Dec 31, 2025, compared with 91.8 percent prior to the implementation of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA), the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that this achievement reflects the government's commitment to expanding inclusive internet access, particularly in rural and remote areas, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi highlighted the importance of reliable internet access for education, the economy, and providing opportunities to people, especially in villages and remote areas. He emphasized the government's dedication to strengthening the nation's digital infrastructure to ensure broader access for all Malaysians under JENDELA.
Fahmi mentioned that for remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is not feasible, the ministry is assessing interim solutions, including satellite technology like Starlink. The government is also promoting infrastructure sharing among telecommunications companies to speed up coverage expansion and improve service quality.
MCMC has issued directives to certain telecommunications companies to address gaps in service quality and imposed penalties on non-compliant operators. Fahmi also addressed complaints from fishermen in Kuala Teriang, Langkawi, about losing coverage at sea, indicating that the issue will be investigated.
Additionally, signal disruption issues in border areas like Rantau Panjang are being addressed in coordination with foreign telecommunications authorities. Priority is being given to disaster-prone areas to ensure uninterrupted communications during emergencies, including enhancing telecommunications towers in flood-prone locations.
In another development, Fahmi noted that the government had submitted 5,409 requests to digital platform providers to remove manipulated images and deepfake content from 2022 until Jan 15 this year, with a 92 percent success rate. For false content, 59,967 takedown requests were made, with an 87 percent success rate.
Between Jan 1 and Jan 15 this year, two takedown requests for obscene content under Act 866 were submitted and successfully removed. Fahmi remarked on the rapid growth of AI-generated content and the increased risk of misinformation, emphasizing that all takedown actions were based on complaints, platform guidelines, and local laws.