Government Targets 100 Per Cent Internet Coverage In Populated Areas By 2027

BATU PAHAT: The Government through the Ministry of Communications is targeting 100 per cent Internet coverage in populated areas nationwide by next year, through the implementation of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA).

Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said that as of 31 December, broadband coverage in these areas had reached 99.71 per cent, reflecting the high commitment of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

He said that prior to the implementation of JENDELA, Internet coverage nationwide was only around 90 per cent, but through the latest phase of the plan, MCMC will focus on Internet access up to 4G and 5G.

“We at the ministry and MCMC will continue to expand coverage up to 4G and strengthen 5G, including in rural areas, implemented through collaboration and infrastructure sharing among telecommunications companies.

“With this approach, it is able to accelerate the expansion of coverage and improve the quality of services to users,” he told Bernama after watching a live broadcast of the FIFA 2026 World Cup match in conjunction with the JAPEN Community Driver Arena (JAGO) programme at Kampung Istana here today.

Also present to watch the match were Information Department (JAPEN) Director-General Erwin Khairul Ahmad and Kampung Istana Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) Chairman Abd Jalil Ali.

Abdul Halim said that good Internet coverage expansion can smooth various sectors including education and the economy, especially in villages, rural areas, and the interior.

Meanwhile, Erwin Khairul said that the JAGO programme is a continuation of the “wayang pacak” (open-air movie screening) programme, which has now been modernised, but its role is maintained as a platform for disseminating information and government policies.

He said that currently, there are four units of Multi-Functional Vehicles (MFV) operating nationwide, and his department plans to increase this asset to 16 units in the future, besides targeting each state to have at least one unit of the vehicle.

“We will always move throughout the country, including disseminating government initiatives such as diesel subsidy targeting, ATM cash withdrawal fee exemptions, and book vouchers for students.

“In addition, JAPEN also collaborates with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) to screen local films to the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abd Jalil said that as the host of the JAGO programme, his committee is excited and at the same time proud that the village has been selected as the Ministry of Communications’ MADANI Angkat Village (KAM) for 2026.

“Through this KAM programme, the residents here receive benefits, as the community hall built in 1950 will be upgraded with an allocation of RM400,000.

“In addition, another RM100,000 will be used by the local community for programmes and activities together, including welfare contributions to those in need,” he said.

Bernama