During an oral Question and Answer session today at Dewan Rakyat, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin said that less than 20% of areas in Malaysia have very poor internet access but the internet access had been disrupted in some areas, however, due to criminal acts and vandalism, according to Bernama.
“There used to be coverage in these areas, but all of a sudden the service was disrupted as certain parties digged up the fibre optic cables, and stole the copper wiring or standby generators at some communications towers.
“We are trying to overcome these problems while increasing broadband access”, said Zahidi.
He said this in response to a supplementary question from M Karupaiya (PH-Padang Serai) regarding the number of areas in the country with very poor Internet access.
But I’m wondering if East Malaysia is part of the 20% mentioned?
A study was carried out and recorded from April 15 to May 30 this year that due to weak and unstable connectivity, there is dissatisfaction among 67.1% of Internet users in East Malaysia.
Assistant Professor of Communication at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Dr Nuurrianti Jalli said the study has a total of 574 respondents. 50.3% of respondents said the problem is ongoing and no effective remedial action had been taken so far despite 51.9% have reported the problem. You can read more on the study HERE
Speaking of poor internet connection, just last month, 18 year old UMS student Veveonah Mosibin went viral for having to stay in a tree to get better internet connection to do her finals and because of her video, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah clarified issues at a press conference surrounding internet connectivity for students.
He mentioned that the telcos are working hard to ensure connectivity and improve connectivity through MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission).
So what else is being done? Zahidi said during the Q&A session today that the ministry is still looking for new technologies to solve this problem and that efforts are being made to utilise satellite technology to ensure rural entrepreneurs would benefit from digital technology.
If 20% of areas have low internet connection, then how good is the connection for the 80%?
According to speedtest.net, Malaysia’s fixed broadband ranks third in Southeast Asia in 2019 but one twitter user disagreed by comparing Malaysia’s internet access to Thailand’s saying Malaysia’s internet is unstable and slower.
A friend gave her opinions via Whatsapp saying that it’s poor and overpriced. “We’re still far behind compared to other countries”, she said and I don’t disagree.
What do you guys think of this? Is the internet access good where you are? Let us know.
For more on this issue and Parliament, click HERE
