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MCMC To Provide Periodic Updates To The People As It Continues To Spearhead The Multimedia And Communication Industry's Growth

11 Feb 2019

MCMC TO PROVIDE PERIODIC UPDATES TO THE PEOPLE AS IT CONTINUES TO SPEARHEAD THE MULTIMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION INDUSTRY’S GROWTH


Foremost is the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) to support the nation’s digital economy and embrace  the Fourth Industrial Revolution   
 
CYBERJAYA, 11 February 2019 --- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced today that it will keep the people abreast on the various initiatives relating to the communications and multimedia industry as it continues to spearhead the industry’s next growth phase.  
“The people are a key stakeholder to the Commission, hence it is only natural for us to include them as part of the industry’s growth journey as connectivity has become a mainstay in their daily lives and a necessary building block to spur economic development,” said Al-Ishsal Ishak, Chairman of MCMC.   

On 8 January 2019, the inaugural pilot project for the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) was successfully launched in Jasin, Melaka by YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Communications and Multimedia. This NFCP pilot project which represents the first amongst others planned in the future, was a collaborative effort between the Melaka State Government, Jasin Municipal Council, and Setia Haruman Technology (a subsidiary of TNB Berhad), together with MCMC.  

“Connectivity is an important tool to empower communities from providing access to expansive information to aiding small businesses. Thus with the successful launch of the NFCP pilot project in Melaka where people get to experience internet speed of up to 1Gbps, MCMC continues to be committed to ensure that other rural communities across Malaysia receive high-speed broadband in line with the Government’s aim to spur inclusive and equitable economic growth.” he added.  

Malaysia climbed up six positions from 41st to number 35th in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s fixed broadband basket price category according to the recent “Measuring The Information Society Report 2018” that was issued by the union on 10 December 2018. Meanwhile, Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index as at December 2018 reported that Malaysia’s fixed broadband average download speeds increased by almost threefold to 63.48Mbps as compared to 23Mbps in January 2018.  

Al-Ishsal acknowledges that more needs to be done especially for users who are on older copper infrastructure that uses Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology. Various options, at different stages of implementation, are being put in place to address the needs of these users. Solutions include upgrading from copper to fiber connectivity or implementing high-speed wireless technology where wire-line upgrades are not available. 
 
                              Picture 1                                                                    Picture 2
                               

Picture 1: Communications and Multimedia Minister, Tuan Gobind Singh Deo (middle) launched the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) pilot project in Jasin, witnessed by Secretary General of KKMM; Dato’ Dr. Mohd Ali Mohamad Nor (left), ADUN Ayer Keroh; YB Kerk Chee Yee (second left), Tenaga Nasional Berhad Chairman; Tan Sri Leo Moggie (second right) and Chairman of MCMC, Al-Ishsal Ishak (right most).  
Picture 2: Communications and Multimedia Minister, Tuan Gobind Singh Deo (left, seated) watching attentively to tests conducted on the Internet network by several officers from FELDA and TNB after launching the NFCP pilot project in Jasin. 

MCMC has also started the look into 5G connectivity as part of the NFCP. A 5G Task Force, comprising over 50 members from multiple stakeholders including the communications and multimedia industry licensees, business associations, technology vendors, academia, ministries, and relevant agencies has been formed to develop a holistic strategy for 5G implementation in Malaysia. Four work groups have been set up within the Task Force focusing on Business Case, Infrastructure, Spectrum Management & Allocation and Regulatory issues. The Task Force has met twice since its inception in November 2018.  

Running in parallel with the 5G Task Force is the 5G Test Bed initiative which will involve trials and demonstrations of 5G use cases within Cyberjaya and Putrajaya.  

“We’ve received 14 proposals from various communications services providers (telcos) and leading technology vendors for a 5G Showcase currently planned for Q2 2019. The 5G Showcase will cover applications across verticals including e-health, media/entertainment, smart city, automotive & transportation, agriculture, factory/manufacturing, energy, public safety and education,” said Al-Ishsal. 

He added that 5G will have significant impact on the entire nation, especially as it is capable of transforming lives in ways unimaginable before. 5G brings with it new 

applications in e-health, robotics, smart city, autonomous self-driving vehicles, improved public safety and new ways of immersive learning. 
Recently, MCMC held a media briefing on 29 January to announce the Network Performance Report 2018. This was the first media briefing to be held after several years, and it presented opportunities for the media to ask questions related to the communications and multimedia industry. Briefings such as this will be held from time to time to present the progress made within the industry as it moves towards faster speed, efficient service, and widespread access.  
      
Picture 3                                                                           Picture 4
Picture 3:  MCMC Chairman, Al-Ishsal Ishak, briefing the media on Network Performance Report 2018 at the MCMC’s Old Headquarters in Cyberjaya.
Picture 4:  A press conference was held after the Network Performance Report 2018 media briefing. 

“MCMC is also committed and actively involved in the advocacy campaign against the growing number of cyber-crimes. For example, in January 2019, the MCMC participated in several media interviews to highlight various cybercrimes such as Macau scams, African scams, online scams, and loan scams. 12 articles were published in January related to the issue,” the Chairman revealed. 

In an effort to continuously educate the people about internet safety and risks, to date MCMC has conducted 11,436 public service announcements (PSA) across radio and TV stations, three interviews with local radio stations and magazines and Facebook postings. Train-the-Trainer sessions were held for 496 selected Pusat Internet managers and their assistants who have previously attended Internet safety programme. 

“All these initiatives implemented by MCMC throughout January reflects our commitment and determination to uplift Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry to the next level as the industry represent one of the fundamental bedrock of Malaysia’s economic growth,” he said.  

End. 

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