KULAI: Internet coverage will be upgraded in seven key location categories nationwide to ensure better connectivity for the public, says Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
These categories are event venues, public universities, army camps, stadiums, tourist spots, hospitals, and highways or protocol routes.
"For event venues, we have identified 17 locations as of April, and (coverage for) all of them has been upgraded," she said after a sporting event at Hutan Bandar Putra Kulai here on Sunday (Oct 5).
For public universities, Teo said discussions with the Higher Education Ministry have identified 81 institutions nationwide.
"We have identified 73 army camps to prepare for coverage improvement initiatives, and the process is now at the 'request for proposal' stage," she added.
Teo, who is also the Kulai MP, said that three stadiums have been identified. Coverage upgrading has been completed at one venue, and is in progress at the other two.
"We have identified 23 tourist sites, with six upgraded so far.
"As for hospitals, in discussions with the Health Ministry, 20 locations have been selected and seven have been completed," she said.
Seven highways and protocol routes have been identified, with upgrading work completed at one, she added.
Teo said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will continue to monitor all seven focus categories to ensure sufficient coverage in each.
"These are places where we see clear and logical reasons for improvement.
"For example, an event venue may not have a large crowd daily, but during major events, tens of thousands of people may gather there.
"So, we must ensure that internet capacity is strong enough to handle the surge in demand," she said.
She added that a similar rationale applies to highways, which often pass through unpopulated areas where there is weak internet coverage.
The ministry, through MCMC, is working closely with mobile network operators (MNOs) to enhance coverage in all seven categories, Teo said.
Citing examples, she added that places such as Dataran Putrajaya and Dataran Merdeka are among the venues that will benefit from stronger connectivity during large gatherings.
"Normally, these places may not have large crowds, but during major national events like Merdeka Day, there can be over 100,000 people. We want to make sure internet coverage remains stable," she said.
She noted that the North-South Expressway is among the focus areas for improved coverage in Johor.
On a separate issue, Teo urged Malaysians not to politicise the Global Sumud Flotilla relief mission to Gaza, saying it is a noble and humanitarian effort.
"I am very glad to hear that our participants have safely arrived in Istanbul and will be returning home soon. Let’s support their mission and the government’s efforts to bring them back safely.
"This is a humanitarian mission and should be supported by all Malaysians," she added.
