RM5b JENDELA allocation to expand internet access in rural Malaysia

THE Government will invest RM5 billion to extend high-quality internet access to underserved communities and strengthen connectivity across the country under Budget 2027, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said.

The allocation for JENDELA will support expanded coverage in rural and remote areas, including Orang Asli villages, as well as connectivity along 7,000 kilometres of roads and highways and 1,700 kilometres of railway routes nationwide.

In a statement today, MCMC welcomed the budget, saying its digital initiatives reflected the government’s continued commitment to expanding infrastructure, improving connectivity and accelerating the country’s digital transformation to benefit the public and drive economic growth.

The budget also provides RM1 billion for the National Digital Health Ecosystem and Connectivity Initiative (PERSADA), which will support digital infrastructure in the healthcare sector, the expansion of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telehealth services and drone-assisted medicine deliveries.

The initiative is intended to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural and remote communities.

A further RM142 million has been allocated to the National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI), which will be strengthened as community digital hubs offering digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI) training, alongside support for local economic development and entrepreneurship.

The MADANI Submarine Cable System (SALAM) will also be developed to increase network capacity and resilience between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, supporting more inclusive and sustainable digital economic growth.

To widen access to digital learning, public higher education institutions will be provided with Wi-Fi connectivity, giving students broader internet access and supporting the development of future talent.

Budget 2027 also includes plans for a Sovereign AI Cloud and stronger national cybersecurity measures to reinforce data sovereignty, promote secure AI development and improve the resilience of Malaysia’s digital ecosystem.

MCMC said it would continue intensifying its Safe Internet Campaign in schools nationwide while tackling digital fraud. It said more than 5.7 billion scam-related calls and SMS messages had been blocked.

The commission said it was committed to ensuring the announced initiatives were implemented effectively and translated into tangible benefits for the public, industry and the country.

It added that the strategic investments would help drive the digital economy and strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness as a digital nation. - October 12, 2026

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