Johor bahru: The development of the MADANI Submarine Cable Connection (SALAM), with an allocation of RM2 billion under the 2026 Budget, is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless internet connectivity and efficient data transmission throughout the country. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted the implementation of the project as a crucial step towards strengthening Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, aligning with the government’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem under the Malaysia MADANI framework.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative also aims to accommodate the capacity limitations of the existing 1Malaysia People’s Cable System (SCREAM), which has been in operation for many years. Teo emphasized the urgent need to develop a new submarine cable network as SCREAM’s capacity is now reaching its limits. The demand for data transmission is rapidly increasing, fueled by the expansion of artificial intelligence technologies and the growing reliance on digital platforms.

Teo noted the significant rise in the volume of data being transmitted via the internet, driven by the era of AI. She made these remarks at a press conference after officiating the fish release programme at Sungai Pontian Besar. Her comments came in response to inquiries about the positive impact of the SALAM project, which was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of the 2026 Budget.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will oversee the construction of the 3,190-kilometre submarine cable. The undersea route will extend from Sedili in Johor to Kuching and Sibu in Sarawak, and further to Tuaran, Kudat, Pulau Banggi, Sandakan, and Tawau in Sabah. Previously, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil indicated that the SALAM project is intended to replace the ageing SCREAM system, which has been operational for over a decade.