Kuala Lumpur: More than 13,000 Wi-Fi access points have been installed across public university campuses nationwide as part of a government initiative to enhance internet connectivity at public institutions of higher learning, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He announced that Phase Two of the installations is currently underway and is expected to be completed within the next five to six weeks.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi stated that out of the 32,000 planned Wi-Fi access points for all public universities, approximately 13,000 to 14,000 have already been installed. The remaining installations under Phase Two are anticipated to be finished within the projected timeframe. Following the conclusion of Phase Two, discussions with universities will take place to assess further improvements needed, which will be included in Phase Three of the rollout.
Fahmi made these remarks to reporters after delivering a keynote address at a forum titled 'Cyber, Voice and Borders: Unravelling the Dynamics of Media Freedom in the Digital Era' at Universiti Utara Malaysia. He also mentioned that Phase Three of the Wi-Fi project is expected to commence later this year, with the ministry collaborating closely with universities to verify installation sites before calling for tenders.
The minister assured that UUM's Wi-Fi connectivity issues are prioritized in Phase Three, with confirmation from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission that UUM is one of the key focus locations. Beyond public universities, the Communications Ministry is also expanding this initiative to include polytechnics and community colleges.
On the forum itself, Fahmi emphasized the event's role as an important platform to balance media freedom, freedom of expression, and societal responsibility. He expressed hope that such programs would enhance discussions at public universities, exposing students to real-world challenges faced by the media industry amid rapid changes brought by artificial intelligence and social media. Also present at the forum was the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).