Pengkalan Chepa: The Communications Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is set to invest over RM600 million to improve WiFi access at all public universities across the country. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the initiative, which is expected to address persistent issues of poor WiFi signals despite existing internet coverage, based on feedback from universities and the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year and will also involve enhancing mobile coverage through the construction of additional telecommunications towers outside university campuses. The initial phase has commenced at Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, and Universiti Malaysia Perlis, with an expected completion date of February 5. Furthermore, MOHE will allocate funds as part of the Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan to either replace or improve internet access on campuses.

Fahmi elaborated that considering the extensive number of campuses involved, the first phase of the project would be finalized soon. The second phase is set to begin in the coming months, pending the tender process, with full implementation anticipated by the end of the year. These remarks were made during the launch of the Online Safety Campaign Tour at Dewan Keusahawanan Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) in Pengkalan Chepa, attended by the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.

Earlier, MCMC announced a specific allocation of RM13.7 million for over 2,000 WiFi access points at Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, and Universiti Malaysia Perlis. On September 25, Fahmi, who also serves as the government's spokesperson, reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed MCMC and MOHE to address internet access issues at public higher education institutions, as many campuses are preparing to welcome new students.