‘Better Internet infrastructure for newer buildings needed’

All for better facilities: Fahmi visiting the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia Merdeka Week­end event. ­— Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Architects should ensure that their designs for new buildings in the country will allow for the premises to be properly equipped with Internet infrastructure, says Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

This, he said, was in line with the rollout of 5G, which is now readily available in Malaysia.

“I believe many of the newer buildings will be much better equipped. We now have 5G.

“So, many of these structures will have to be fitted out in order for us to take full advantage of the fastest Internet that we have.

“This is important because, as the minister in charge of the Internet, I have often been blamed when some buildings don’t have Internet (facilities). But it is something for us to consider,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying during the close of the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Merdeka Weekend here yesterday.

Also present were PAM president Abu Zarim Abu Bakar and PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Ab Aziz Tengku Mahmud.

PAM and related industry players, said Fahmi, should also consider coming up with building architecture with its own history, such as the Angkasapuri and Parliament buildings.

“There should be an architectural language that is adapted for the benefit of people’s housing projects in the future.

“If you notice, Malay households normally have the kitchen at the back portion of the house, but for most people’s housing projects in Kuala Lumpur, this is located in the front.

“I would like to have more conversation with PAM and also with budding architects about what houses for the rakyat should look like.

“I know this is not my field, but I am very passionate about this because there are many such projects in my constituency,” said Fahmi, who is also Lembah Pantai MP.