by AFIQ HANIF / pic by BERNAMA

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) has emphasised that the government would not compromise on the issue of Internet access, considering it a basic need for the people, similar to water and electricity.

He stressed the importance of reliable and high-speed Internet services in today’s digital age.

“The government will not compromise on this issue because the Internet is now a basic need for the people just like water and electricity,” Anwar said in a response to Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail’s question in Dewan Rakyat today.

Acknowledging the unsatisfactory level of telecommunication services provided to users, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has initiated a comprehensive review and improvement process for the existing regulatory instruments.

He said that amendments to the Mandatory Quality of Service Standard (MSQoS) are being considered to enhance the quality of Internet services.

“The government is aware that the quality of telecommunication services provided to users is still at an unsatisfactory level. This includes in terms of the breadth of coverage and also the speed of downloading and uploading Internet services,” he said.

One of the key areas under review is the minimum speed of mobile broadband, currently set at 2.5Mbps. The government aims to align this minimum speed with the goals outlined in the National Digital Interconnection Plan (Jendela).

By 2025, he said the plan aims to achieve an average mobile broadband speed of 100Mbps, enabling faster and more reliable Internet access for Malaysians.

“The regulatory framework and the role of MCMC will continue to be strengthened so that strict action without fear or favor can be taken against any service provider who fails to provide quality services to their customers,” he said.