Embrace cloud tech to boost public service delivery, PM says at Google data centre groundbreaking

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will adopt a National Cloud Policy to modernise public services and boost innovation and efficiency in the sector, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“By leveraging cloud technology, we aim to modernise government operations, foster citizen engagement, and streamline the delivery of public services.

"More importantly, the efficiency level must increase exponentially to enhance capabilities,” he said during the Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI event organised by Google Malaysia here on Tuesday (Oct 1).

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The Prime Minister also attended Google's groundbreaking ceremony for its US$2bil (RM8.24bil) data centre and cloud region in Malaysia.

“This (modernising public services) is... (also) why I decided that after 12 years, we should make a major departure from the (traditional) salary scheme to see that Malaysia’s public sector remains efficient."

Anwar also said the government wants to promote economic competitiveness and growth by enabling businesses, including SMEs and startups, to harness cloud technology for innovation and to access global markets.

He added that the government is also committed to strengthening user trust and data security by establishing robust security frameworks and protocols to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure in public and private cloud environments.

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“We will empower citizens through digital inclusivity.

"Our approach will be citizen-centric and inclusive, utilising cloud technology to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of digital-first public services,” he added.

He also said the Digital Ministry will spearhead Malaysia's digital transformation initiatives.

“Embracing technology will allow government agencies to optimise processes, lower costs and serve the rakyat better,” he added.

ALSO READ: Google says Malaysia investments to add US$3bil to its GDP by 2030, create 26,500 jobs

Also present at the event were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari.

Bernama reports that the data centre under construction in Elmina Business Park, Selangor will address the increasing demand for Google Cloud capabilities, artificial intelligence innovations, and other digital services used daily by individuals and organisations in Malaysia.

Google’s investment is expected to generate over US$3.2bil (RM13.18bil) in economic impact and create 26,500 jobs by 2030.