KUALA LUMPUR: The lack of fibre optic networks is slowing internet speed in the country.
The Communications and Multimedia Ministry said a wide-ranging and comprehensive fibre optic networks, alongside telecommunication towers, are required to provide high-speed internet to the people.
"The setting up of a comprehensive communication network infrastructure would certainly require enormous spending, taking into account hilly terrains and the vast area involved.
"The co-operation and support of all government agencies, especially at the state level in facilitating approval and imposing appropriate permits for the installation of communication infrastructure, also play an important role in ensuring that any planning can be implemented with cost efficiency," said the ministry in a written reply to Ahmad Baihaki Atiqullah (PAS-Kubang Kerian).
At the same time, the ministry pointed out that the government had outlined several initiatives on fibre optic fittings such as the high-speed broadband (HSBB) and suburban broadband (SuBB) projects to deliver end-to-end connectivity to a wider population.
The successful roll-out of the first phase of the HSBB project had resulted in Malaysia emerging with the highest number of high-speed broadband subscribers in Southeast Asia.
In December 2015, Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) signed two public-private partnership agreements amounting to RM3.4 billion with the government to implement the HSBB Phase 2 and the SuBB.
HSBB 2 will see the expansion of the previous HSBB infrastructure and will cover state capitals and major town while SuBB will cover suburban and rural areas, including educational institutions.
Additionally, the government is also looking at new initiatives that may be implemented at a later stage to ensure that the country's Internet speeds can be enhanced in line with current needs.