GEORGE TOWN: Penang has made it mandatory for the installation of fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure as a basic utility equivalent to water and electricity supplies for all new development projects in the state.
The decision makes Penang the first state in the country to do so.
State Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said state executive councillors had, in a meeting last Thursday, decided that it was now compulsory for developers to install fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure in new buildings and development projects in the state with immediate effect.
He said the decision was to support the use of high-speed broadband since copper-based Internet was no longer relevant.
"This is in line with Penang's Vision 2030, to ensure the provision of high quality and comprehensive digital infrastructure to meet the needs of the new normal and support the catalyst of digital economy in the state.
"This is also in line with the federal government's aspiration through the implementation of the digital infrastructure plan, the National Digital Network (Jendela)," he said today.
Zairil said, under the Penang Connectivity Master Plan (PCMP) strategic planning, the state government had outlined the need to implement the installation of fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure as a basic utility, as provided for under city council by-laws.
"The enforcement of the mandatory installation of fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure is not only the main enabler in achieving gigabit speed or becoming the first gigabit state in Malaysia but will also hasten the process of implementing 5G technology, which will be realised soon.
"With the implementation of this policy, Penang will not only be able to provide extensive high-speed broadband services to its people, but it will also spur the digital economy sector as an important industry for the state in future," he said.