KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Digital Ministry has drawn up a strategic plan towards a digital golden decade which centred around communication infrastructure, cyber security and the digital economy.

Its Minister Fahmi Fadzil, in a video posted on his Facebook page, said the three main cores were also supported by broadcasting and information reform, and creative industry reform.

Fahmi said the ministry was moving towards a cheaper, advanced and accessible communication infrastructure, with faster internet being the main focus of the ministry.

"In December 2022, the ministry launched a unity data plan for vulnerable groups priced at RM5 per month.

"In January, the ministry had also begun discussions with Telekom Malaysia and other telcos," he said, adding that the ministry also facilitated in offering a broadband package 22 per cent lower than the market price.

Fahmi said in the efforts to ensure a faster and a more comprehensive coverage, he held in-depth discussions with two leading satellite internet service providers namely Starlink which is owned by SpaceX and Measat Satellite Systems.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said two big issues that the ministry was aiming to address included online scams and personal data leaks.

Fahmi said, together with the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC), they were strengthening the operation of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC).

He shared that he had also chaired discussions with representatives from the Finance Ministry, Home Ministry, police, Bank Negara and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Separately, Fahmi also chaired discussions with companies that supervise social media companies such as Meta (WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram) to ensure that social media no longer becomes a breeding place for online scams.

"Now, if the money in your bank account decreases due to an online scam, the NSRC will do its best to block the withdrawal of the money and your money will be saved.

"How? You have to call 997 (NSRC hotline number) immediately," he said.

For the issue of personal data leakage, Fahmi has chaired the discussion for the proposed amendment to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 or Act 709 which aims to further tighten the law and enforcement involving personal data leakage.

The ministry will also reexamine the National Film Policy and National Creative Industry Policy so that Malaysia's creative industry is able to improve quickly and be on par with other developed countries.

Fahmi said the ministry had also introduced two types of reports in its efforts towards broadcasting and information reform.

This includes a weekly report of the unity government and a monthly report for his ministry.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/878877/fahmi-lays-out-communications-and-digital-ministrys-strategic-digital