KUANTAN – The Communications and Multimedia Ministry hopes that internet service will be considered the country’s third public utility, after water and electricity, in Budget 2021, said Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
The move will save between six months and a year to build a communications tower, which is currently the main connectivity medium, he told reporters in Kuantan yesterday.
“So far, they (developers) do not need to specify where to build a communications tower (to obtain planning approval) because it is not considered a public utility.
“Infrastructure for the internet only comes after the project is completed, and during that time, there can be delays if there is no suitable site or if there are other problems.”
He said he looks forward to the Budget recognising the term “creative economy”, so as to help develop the nation’s cultural arts sector.
“We also hope that Budget 2021 will be the beginning of the allocation under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for funding digital content. Under 11MP, we were not able to fully utilise the RM500 million allocation provided as we did not have specific plans.
“I have appealed to Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz not to cut the allocation in 12MP, and in principle, he has agreed. But this time, we need to plan more carefully on how (the funds) will be used.”
On the Budget’s tabling on November 6, Saifuddin said he hopes that all parties will be open-minded, cooperate and debate maturely to improve any shortcomings, and put the people’s interests first.
“The government has already taken the necessary steps (to help the people) with two main thrusts, that is, to balance between health and the economy. We need funds from Budget 2021 to continue this effort.” – Bernama, October 30, 2020
