Malaysia's MyIX Advocates for Local Internet Traffic Amid West Asia Tensions

Severity: Medium (Score: 43.0)

Sources: Digitalnewsasia, Bernama

Summary

The chairman of the Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX), Chiew Kok Hin, emphasized the necessity for Malaysia to maintain local internet traffic due to rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the associated risks to submarine cables. He stated that domestic peering is crucial for reducing reliance on international routes and enhancing network resilience. Recent threats to submarine cables in the Red Sea have underscored the vulnerability of global connectivity. MyIX reported a 16% increase in traffic, reaching 2,527 Gbps as of February 2026, reflecting the growing importance of secure internet infrastructure. The organization was established in 2006 to facilitate local interconnection among networks. Chiew noted that strong domestic connectivity is vital for Malaysia's digital economy and its aspirations for AI advancements by 2030. MyIX has also improved its cyber readiness and expanded its capacity to meet rising demand. Despite increased operational costs, MyIX has kept its port fees stable to remain competitive. Key Points: • MyIX advocates for local internet traffic to enhance resilience amid geopolitical tensions. • Traffic at MyIX increased by 16% to 2,527 Gbps, indicating rising digital activity. • Domestic peering is essential for reducing dependence on international internet routes.

Key Entities

• Malaysia (country)
• Government (industry)