Starlink Service is Just a Temporary Solution: Malaysian Minister

The Malaysian government is utilizing the services of satellite internet providers like Starlink temporarily in areas where there is no good internet access until it comes up with long-term solutions. 

Fahmi Fadzil, the Communications and Digital Minister, explained the internet service is suitable as a temporary solution because it is plug-and-play, has fast internet speed and the price is reasonable. “In Malaysia, we have four satellite internet service providers, including Starlink. This is not a commercial decision. The benefits of this technology are suitable for the purpose of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).” 

The Malaysian government is in discussions to expand the satellite internet technology to schools and health clinics in Sabah and Sarawak. Fadzil said he is in talks with the respective ministers of health, education and rural and regional development. 

Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government intended to install 40 satellite internet devices from Starlink, at higher education institutions nationwide to help students who were unable to study because of unreliable internet connectivity. 

The Communications and Digital Minister said several telecommunication service providers would offer 5G Rahmah internet package at a cheaper price, or provide a higher capacity at the base price RM60. The Malaysian government is looking at RM60 for 60 GB. Fadzil said there are also companies that offer the package at a lower price or higher data capacity.