KUALA LUMPUR: The demand for internet bandwidth in Malaysia has reached unprecedented levels, with the Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX) reporting a record peak of 2.1 terabits per second (Tbps) in May this year.
This significant milestone represents an almost four-fold increase from the 588 gigabits per second (Gbps) recorded in May 2020 during the first movement control order (MCO), indicating a substantial surge in digital activity within the country.
In a statement, MyIX chairman Chiew Kok Hin underscored the significance of this achievement, highlighting the deep integration of the internet and digital economy into Malaysian lifestyles and work cultures, particularly in the context of the prevailing hybrid work model.
As the nation progresses, Chiew foresees a continuous surge in demand for internet bandwidth, primarily driven by the rapid growth of video conferencing and traffic and the proliferation of large-scale display technologies that require substantial bandwidth to support the escalating video traffic.
"Digitisation is undeniably gaining momentum in Malaysia, and the strong demand for internet bandwidth is encouraging.
"Numerous studies have demonstrated that a country's ability to compete and evolve in the 21st century increasingly depends on its efficient utilisation of information and communication technologies," he said.
Aligned with the exponential growth of digitalisation, the government has also acknowledged the pivotal role of the digital economy.
To note, the communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil recently said that Malaysia's digital economy is projected to contribute 25.5 per cent to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025, highlighting its crucial position in the nation's economic landscape.
The soaring demand for internet bandwidth can be attributed to many factors.
"The proliferation of online streaming services, the surge in remote work and telecommuting arrangements, and the growing reliance on cloud-based technologies have all contributed to the exponential increase in data consumption, necessitating enhanced fast and reliable Internet connectivity," said Chiew.
Recognising the importance of keeping up with this escalating demand, he shared that local internet service providers (ISPs) and global players continuously upgrade their ports to ensure high-speed and reliable internet access.
Chiew also encouraged hosting companies, universities, and enterprises to join MyIX, as the exchange operates on a 'network effect', wherein the more participants it has, the better the overall internet connectivity throughout Malaysia.
In line with its commitment to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals nationwide, MyIX has installed the Ookla Speedtest server under its network, enabling users to conduct speed tests and monitor their internet connection quality.
Since April 2023, the server has facilitated over 24,000 tests, providing valuable insights into internet performance.
"As industries and sectors increasingly embrace digital transformation, the demand for high-speed and reliable internet connectivity will only intensify.
"MyIX, as Malaysia's leading internet exchange, remains at the forefront of this digital revolution, continually upgrading and expanding its network infrastructure to ensure seamless and uninterrupted internet connectivity," said Chiew.
He said the efficient utilisation of information and communication technologies will be pivotal in Malaysia's competitiveness and growth in the 21st century.
"MyIX is dedicated to providing robust internet connectivity, catering to the nation's evolving needs, and is poised to meet the escalating demand for bandwidth as Malaysia progresses further in its digital transformation journey," he added.
MyIX was established in 2006 as an initiative under the Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC).