Penang: Four new National Information Dissemination Centres (NADIs) have commenced operations in the Pematang Pauh Parliamentary Constituency, increasing the total number of NADIs in Penang to 42. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that two of these new centres are situated in Penanti, with one each in Seberang Jaya and Pematang Pasir.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, three of these centres began operations in May 2024, while the NADI in Kubang Semang opened in December 2024. This development is part of the government's strategy to implement the "one state constituency, one NADI" policy, as directed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The announcement was made during a press conference following Fahmi's visit to the Kubang Semang NADI.
The event was attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Information Department (JaPen) director-general Julina Johan. Fahmi noted that the number of NADIs in Penang had increased from just three, and he emphasized the potential benefits for local residents through initiatives such as Maxis's eKELAS and entrepreneurship training programs.
These programs aim to identify local products and expand their market reach to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and online sales platforms. Earlier, Fahmi participated in a telecommunications coverage quality test using the MCMC Nexus application, traveling by bus from PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre to NADI Kubang Semang.
Fahmi remarked on the current internet access, stating that the average download speed along the route was between 90 and over 100 Mbps, while upload speeds ranged from 20 to 30 Mbps. He also mentioned that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been tasked with using data from the Nexus application to pinpoint areas with inadequate access or coverage.
The Nexus application empowers the public to assess internet quality through speed tests, allowing authorities to hold telecommunications companies accountable. Fahmi later participated in the 'Sembang Santai Komuniti MADANI' program at the Central Seberang Perai District Hall, attended by former Permatang Pauh member of Parliament, Nurul Izzah Anwar.