GEORGE TOWN – All new development projects in Penang must now include fibre optics cables as mandatory installation similar to utility requirements for water and electrical supply.
The state executive council made the decision at its meeting on December 17 in line with its move to recognise the digital economy as an invaluable component of its development goals by 2030.
Zairil Khir Johari, the state exco for works, utilities and flood mitigation, said telecommunications infrastructure will from now on be accorded similar priority as the other basic utilities.
This makes the state the first in Malaysia to place digital infrastructure in the same category as water and electricity.
The infrastructure must be suitable for smooth internet connectivity, which means that only fibre optics cables are to be installed instead of the traditional copper wires.
“We need high-quality utility facilities,” he said in making the announcement after a meeting with Rizal Abd Malek, head of the Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) Penang office, in Komtar here today.
“The enforcement of telecommunications infrastructure is to also improve gigabit connectivity speeds and to enable the realisation of the 5G digital network.”
The state has included proper installation guidelines for all these utilities under its Penang Connectivity Master Plan (PCMP). The specifications are in line with bylaws 25 and 27 of the Uniform Buildings By-Laws 1984.
“It will be enforced under the local government clauses whereby the security and safety of such assets are on par with the water and power utilities.”
The move by Penang is also to complement the federal government’s National Digital Infrastructure Plan (Jendela).
With this, Penang is poised to provide high-speed internet connection throughout the state soon, especially since the digital economy is expected to be a major feature for the state in the future, said Zairil – The Vibes, December 21, 2020
