KUALA LUMPUR: Communication services are now classified as a public utility, along with water and electricity.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the decision was made during the Cabinet meeting yesterday.
He said the advent of the digital age has led to increasing demand for communication services.
"Therefore, the recognition of communication services as a public utility will ensure a comprehensive and high-quality of services offered to the public.
"This is because connectivity of digital infrastructure is one of the important elements to promote economic growth and further increase the level of competitiveness of a country," he said during a virtual press conference today.
Saifuddin said that in the past, communication services would only come later after the installation of water and electricity at any new development.
"As such, suitable areas to install telecommunication towers were taken away by other projects, leaving telco companies with no choice but to install them elsewhere.
"This, however, caused problems later such as blind spots in certain areas of the development."
Saifuddin said the installation of communication facilities also involved land issues.
"Hence, by having it as a public utility, we hope that there will be no such problems in the future," he said.
He noted that the move also would speed up the installation of communication infrastructures under the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative, which will enable widespread quality connectivity for Malaysians nationwide.
Saifuddin added that following the Cabinet's decision, states are advised to adopt the internet as a public utility by using the Communication Infrastructure Planning Guidelines (GPP-I).
He said among the measures that should be taken by the state governments include introducing a specific policy to recognise communication services as a public utility to be considered at the state government level.
He said the enforcement of communication infrastructure installation requirements were outlined in GPP-I, in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984.
"State governments must also provide support through facilitation provided for the planning, development and provision of communication infrastructure," he said.
Saifuddin said most states have acknowledged communication services as a public utility in their respective states.
"Suffice to say, all states have agreed for communication services to be classified as a public utility."