GOVERNMENT efforts to bridge the rural digital divide were spotlighted on Sunday as Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil visited the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) on Pulau Banggi, hailing it as a model for inclusive development.
The Minister’s visit included engagement with local residents and members of the Komuniti MADANI, as well as an inspection of telecommunications infrastructure across the Kudat district.
“Pulau Banggi’s NADI plays a vital role as a one-stop digital community hub, offering internet access, digital skills training, and information services — especially for rural communities,” Fahmi said.
Operated under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), NADI Pulau Banggi also showcases high-speed connectivity enabled by Starlink technology, providing internet speeds exceeding 100Mbps.
“This visit reflects the MADANI Government’s ongoing commitment to improving digital access in rural areas, driving socio-economic growth and strengthening the national digital agenda,” said Fahmi.
Beyond connectivity, the facility also houses dedicated training spaces and advisory services aimed at supporting local entrepreneurship, education, and community empowerment through digital tools.
NADI Pulau Banggi’s achievements have now garnered international recognition. The initiative was recently named winner of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2025 under the Capacity Building category (C4), organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other United Nations agencies.
“This recognition demonstrates the MADANI Government’s determination to ensure no community is left behind in the digital age,” said MCMC in a statement.
The Pulau Banggi hub forms part of the broader NADI Malaysia Digital Inclusion Project, which aims to deliver equitable digital access across the country, particularly in underserved regions. - August 11, 2025
