KUALA LUMPUR: Internet and communications coverage in Malaysia’s populated areas nationwide reached 99.75% as of July 31, 2026, bringing the country closer to its target of achieving full coverage under the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the progress reflected the government’s continued efforts to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and expand inclusive connectivity.
“Malaysia is proud to support Asean’s journey towards a more integrated, innovative and inclusive digital future. By strengthening collaboration across governments, industry and communities, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, expand digital participation and ensure the benefits of digital transformation are shared across the region,” Fahmi said in his opening remarks at the inaugural M360 Asean 2026 yesterday.
Malaysia’s contribution to that ambition began at home through efforts to strengthen the foundations of its digital economy, he said.
“Through the National Digital Network Plan, or Jendela, we have strengthened the foundations of our digital economy, with internet coverage in populated areas reaching 99.75% as of July 31, 2026,” he added.
The latest coverage figure represents continued progress from the 99.73% recorded as at May 31.
The Jendela dashboard displayed at M360 Asean showed composite coverage in populated areas at 99.75% nationwide as at July, putting Malaysia within 0.25 percentage point of the programme’s 100% coverage target. The dashboard also showed that 10.12 million premises had been passed with fibre as at July, exceeding Jendela’s target of nine million premises and representing 112% of plan.
Median mobile broadband download speed reached 159.43Mbps in July, surpassing the Jendela target of 100Mbps and equivalent to 159% of plan.
Internet and communications coverage in populated areas stood at 99.71% as at Dec 31, 2025, compared with 91.8% before the implementation of Jendela.
Fahmi said Malaysia’s continued 5G rollout and the SalAm submarine cable would strengthen the capacity and resilience of the country’s digital infrastructure.
“The Ministry of Communications is developing the National Digital Infrastructure Policy to provide a coherent long-term framework for infrastructure that can support the services and industries of the future,” he disclosed.
He said infrastructure development must ultimately translate into tangible benefits for people and institutions.
“But infrastructure matters only when it enables people and institutions to do more.”
Connectivity is being expanded beyond general consumer access to support critical public services, including healthcare.
“Through Persada, a collaboration between the MCMC and the Ministry of Health, connectivity is being strengthened across 150 hospitals and 2,488 public health facilities, supporting electronic medical records, telehealth and more efficient access to care,” Fahmi said.
Reliable connectivity was also becoming increasingly important to Malaysia’s tourism sector amid Visit Malaysia 2026, he said.
“With Visit Malaysia 2026 under way, reliable connectivity across gateways, transport corridors, tourism areas and rural destinations is also helping shape the visitor experience.”
Fahmi said, “At the public level, 1,099 Nadi centres provide communities with access to digital skills, services and entrepreneurship opportunities, helping small businesses reach new customers and families participate more confidently in the digital economy.”
He said the Online Safety Act 2025, Child Protection Code and Risk Mitigation Code were intended to translate that commitment into concrete responsibilities for digital platforms.
The remarks come as Malaysia also seeks to position itself as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) and the wider digital economy, while Asean works towards deeper digital integration.
The two-day M360 Asean 2026 is organised by the GSMA and endorsed by the Ministry of Communications, with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as host partner. It brings together ministers, regulators and industry leaders to discuss digital trust, artificial intelligence, resilient infrastructure and regional digital integration.
Fahmi said Kuala Lumpur’s selection to host M360 Asean for the next three years reflected the confidence placed in Malaysia.
“When they were prepared to choose Kuala Lumpur as the host for M360 Asean for the next three years, this was an honour to Malaysia, the Ministry of Communications and MCMC,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony.
Fahmi said the event could help narrow the region’s digital infrastructure gap while accelerating the development of the digital economy.
“We expect that in the coming editions, this M360 Asean platform can play a role in bridging the digital infrastructure gap in Southeast Asia, while further driving the development of the digital economy.
“Insya-Allah, Malaysia will be able to play a role not only as the host, but also in shaping and generating discussions among policymakers at the Southeast Asian level to ensure that the benefits of the digital economy can be felt across Southeast Asia.”
