THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has proposed that state governments introduce a policy to include internet access as a requirement for basic utilities in residential areas.

MCMC chairman Dr Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek said the facility was necessary to speed up transition to 5G technology and address issues on building telecommunication towers.

He said among the challenges facing the telecommunications industry is getting permission to build towers on private land.

“The residents want internet service, but they do not want to have the towers in their backyard.

“One way that can speed up the process is with the state government making a policy for telecommunications to be a utility, just like electricity and water,” he said in an interview on Bernama TV, last night.

Suhaimi said the MCMC had always worked with the state governments to get their views and assistance, as well as to speed up process.

“Many are open-minded and are helping the industry, (with) some states have implementing several policies that really help us,” he added.

On August 29, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the government is developing the National Digital Network (Jendela) digital infrastructure plan to improve the country’s digital communications under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025).

The plan would be a platform for the provision of comprehensive and high quality broadband service coverage, as well as prepare the country for the transition to 5G technology. – Bernama, October 6, 2020.