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Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications is set to prioritise telecommunications and the creative economy in the upcoming Budget 2025. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stressed these focal areas during the launch of CIMB Bank’s “Kita Bagi Jadi” campaign, underscoring the government’s dedication to improving internet access and fostering the creative industries.
Both sectors play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s digital future and are aligned with the country’s broader goals of enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth through innovation and technology.
Fahmi stressed that the telecommunications sector will focus on providing optimal internet access, particularly from primary schools to higher education institutions (IPTs). The goal is to ensure that not only are these institutions connected to the internet, but they also receive high-quality service inside their buildings, creating a robust learning environment for students.
This initiative, which reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision, is aimed at bridging the digital divide across the country. Internet access in schools and educational institutions is seen as crucial for equipping the younger generation with the skills and resources they need in an increasingly digital world.
“The telecommunications sector, as highlighted by the Prime Minister at various events and forums, is central to ensuring that schools and IPTs have the best internet access, both outdoors and inside their buildings,” Fahmi said during the event.
This commitment highlights the government’s drive to modernise the nation’s infrastructure, especially in terms of digital connectivity, which is a key enabler for innovation and education.
Fahmi emphasised the creative economy as a major priority, highlighting that government-backed initiatives like the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) have significantly boosted sectors such as film, music, and digital content creation.
These efforts have attracted investment and promoted local talent, contributing to the growth of the creative industries. By continuing to support these initiatives, the government aims to establish Malaysia as a regional hub for creative industries and further diversify its economy.
“The creative economy…will be a priority. We have already seen encouraging results from initiatives such as FIMI, and we aim to build on that success,” he remarked.
These priorities will be outlined in the 2025 Budget, which is set to be tabled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on October 18. The budget will provide a roadmap for the government’s investment in telecommunications infrastructure and the creative economy, with the ultimate aim of future-proofing Malaysia’s digital and economic landscape.
Alongside these long-term plans, Fahmi also provided updates on the development of Malaysia’s second 5G network. The Communications Ministry expects to announce the operators involved in developing this network within the next few weeks. According to Fahmi, the development plan for the second 5G network is currently in its final stages, with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) concluding the tender process that began on August 1.
The second 5G network is expected to adhere to several key principles, including sustainability and affordability. Fahmi assured that the services provided by the new network should not be more expensive than those currently offered by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
The quality of service must also be as good as, if not better than, that provided by DNB, he said. On August 15, four mobile network operators submitted bids to the MCMC to participate in the second 5G network.
The introduction of a second 5G network is seen as a major step forward in Malaysia’s digital transformation efforts, aiming to improve nationwide connectivity and enhance competition among service providers.
This initiative, coupled with the government’s focus on telecommunications and the creative economy, reflects a holistic approach to ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive in the digital era.
