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The upcoming 2025 Budget for Malaysia, scheduled to be presented on October 18, is set to focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, improving internet accessibility, and strengthening cyber security. These initiatives aim to support the country’s evolving digital economy and address key challenges faced in the current technological landscape.
The Ministry of Communications, led by Minister Fahmi Fadzil, has emphasised the importance of improving internet connectivity, particularly in remote areas, rural interiors, and islands. The government aims to ensure widespread access to high-speed internet, particularly in educational institutions.
Under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the ministry is prioritising the expansion of internet access through programs like the Point of Presence (PoP) initiative, which has previously connected schools only at their gates rather than within the campuses.
Fahmi acknowledged the shortcomings of this approach, especially after the Auditor General’s 2024 report criticised the ministry’s execution of the PoP project. In response, the ministry plans to equip approximately 4,000 schools with comprehensive internet services, thus bridging the digital divide in rural areas and allowing nearby government premises and housing areas to benefit from improved broadband infrastructure.
In addition to schools, the government is keen to address internet access on public university campuses. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged a focus on resolving connectivity issues in these institutions, stressing that reliable internet access is essential for both students and faculty.
Following the Prime Minister’s direction, Fahmi has tasked the MCMC with working alongside the Higher Education Ministry (KPT) to identify campuses experiencing internet connectivity problems and develop timely solutions. This concerted effort underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that educational institutions are equipped with the necessary digital resources to thrive.
Parallel to these efforts, the 2025 Budget is expected to prioritise cyber security as a vital component of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure. As cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication, experts in the field underscore the urgent need for a robust cyber security framework.
Siraj Jalil, president of the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA), identifies three key challenges: increasing sophisticated cyberattacks, a shortage of local cyber security experts, and low consumer awareness of cyber threats. He advocates for developing homegrown cybersecurity technologies to reduce reliance on foreign solutions and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional cybersecurity hub.
The government is expected to introduce tax relief incentives for companies investing in cybersecurity, especially in sectors like banking, healthcare, and energy, which are common targets of attacks. More grants are key to supporting local companies in developing cybersecurity technologies, helping them grow and access international markets.
Empowering regulatory agencies like CyberSecurity Malaysia and the MCMC is equally crucial. Experts recommend providing these organisations with additional resources to enhance their monitoring capabilities, improve enforcement of cyber regulations, and accelerate response times to cyber incidents.
Creating a national platform for cyber threat awareness and information sharing is another key recommendation, aimed at keeping the public informed about potential threats and relevant legal developments, including the Cyber Security Act 2024.
Academics such as Dr. Muhamad Khairulnizam Zaini and Dr. Zubaile Abdullah underscore the necessity of funding for training programs and resources aimed at enhancing the expertise of cyber security professionals. They also advocate for investment in small and medium enterprises to bolster their digital defences against cyber threats.
The 2025 Budget, themed “Ekonomi MADANI, Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera”, is poised to reflect these priorities, aiming to create a safer, more connected, and competitive digital environment for Malaysia. With a comprehensive approach to digital infrastructure and cyber security, the government seeks to empower citizens and businesses alike, ensuring that the nation can navigate the challenges of the digital age effectively.
