THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will expand the installation of Starlink satellite devices in areas with poor internet access nationwide.

Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said MCMC had ordered 30 high-performance devices, and 10 of them had been obtained.

Of the 10 devices, four have been installed, at Universiti Teknologi Mara Kuala Pilah; Kampung Orang Asli Kemensah, Gombak; Kampung Orang Asli Tonggang in Tambun, Perak; and Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Temon, Johor Baru.

“MCMC is currently identifying other suitable locations throughout the country, including Sabah and Sarawak, that need better internet access.

“We will discuss with the Education Ministry, Health Ministry and Rural and Regional Development Ministry to identify suitable and necessary locations for us to install the device. All this has not been finalised yet,” she told reporters after visiting the site installation of the Starlink satellite device in Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Temon today.

She said it is the government’s wish that the installation of the device can serve as a temporary solution for locations that do not have access or have weak internet access, while efforts to improve internet access continue.

Teo said the Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Temon area is facing frequency interference due to its proximity to Singapore, causing the phone lines to connect to the Singapore frequency.

“With this facility, it will be able to improve internet access for the residents, especially the students,” she said.

Currently, one unit of high-specification Starlink device costs RM11,613 and acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot with a coverage distance of about 100m, depending on the place of installation. – Bernama, September 2, 2023.