PUTRAJAYA: The Communications Ministry is focusing on empowering digital infrastructure, the creative and information industries, and government communications this year, says its minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
According to him, digital infrastructure empowerment involves a lot of planning, including the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) Phase 2 and the deployment of Point of Presence (PoP) Phase 2 solutions in certain areas.
"(It also includes) assisting schools that have received PoP, installing WiFi in schools, universities, Mara colleges and polytechnics.
"(In addition) planning of undersea cables. Things like that need to have a policy. We have asked the ministry's Policy and International Division to review it," he said while speaking at the ministry's monthly assembly and 2026 address here Wednesday (Jan 21).
Fahmi said the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd (MyCreative) need to examine efforts to further empower the country's creative industry because the industry's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) is 7%.
"We expect the latest export from MONSTA, the film Papa Zola, to be screened in several cinemas in Indonesia. It's very rare for our films to be exported, but when they are well-managed, the benefits will be ours.
"So, the creative industry, including animation, is something we must support and strive for. We need to find funds not only within the ministry but also with partners in the private sector to develop the creative industry," he also said.
For the empowerment of government information and communication, Fahmi emphasised the need for easily understandable information dissemination, including through the preparation of graphics about the new policies launched by the Madani Government.
"Immediately after the announcement (of the new policy), it's important to remember to have easy-to-understand graphics for the client audience who need to receive the information. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) needs to be prepared," he added.
Also present at the event were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah. - Bernama
