Huge milestone: Fahmi (second from left) launching the commemorative stamps marking the 160th anniversary of the ITU in Cyberjaya. Also present are (from left) Mohamad Salim, Mohamad Fauzi and Kishore. — Low Lay Phon/The Star
CYBERJAYA: The Communications Ministry is targeting the participation of 7,000 rural entrepreneurs, particularly women, through the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi).
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative aims to empower more online entrepreneurs by equipping them with the necessary skills to expand their businesses through e-commerce.
“Our target this year is to reach 7,000 participants, with the goal of equipping more online entrepreneurs with the skills to grow their businesses using e-commerce platforms.
“This is a key initiative under Nadi aimed at supporting local economic development and empowering communities,” he said.
Fahmi noted that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), through Nadi, continues to enhance digital literacy and support rural entrepreneurs.
As of March, 4,000 entrepreneurs have been trained under the programme, of which more than 3,390, or approximately 85%, are women.
“They use fast Internet not just to improve their skills but also to reach new markets.
“In some cases, I found that they were producing products for international markets. Some even earn more than politicians,” Fahmi said at an event held in conjunction with Girls in ICT Day (GICT) and the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) yesterday.
Fahmi also stressed the importance of online safety, saying that as the ministry embraces technological advancement, it must remain vigilant about digital security.
“Building a secure and responsible tech-driven environment is crucial to helping all Malaysians thrive in today’s connected world.
“This is where MCMC plays its part – by fostering a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem through efforts such as combating cyber threats, protecting personal data, and educating users, particularly vulnerable groups,” he said.
Fahmi also highlighted Malaysia’s achievements under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), saying it has been pivotal to the nation’s progress in connectivity.
“To date, over 9.03 million premises have access to high-speed Internet and fibre connectivity, exceeding our original target of nine million by 2025.
“As a result, mobile broadband speed has reached a median of 105.36 Mbps, and Internet coverage in populated areas rose to 98.66% in Q4 2024, moving steadily towards full coverage by 2025,” he said.
Fahmi added that with the successful rollout of 5G, coverage as of April 30 stands at 82.4% in populated areas, with a mobile penetration rate of 61%.
“Connectivity is now unlocking access to knowledge, opportunities and new experiences, not just in education but across industries as we work towards progress in multiple areas,” he said.
The event, organised by the ministry through MCMC, is held annually on May 17.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) aims to raise awareness of the transformative role of information and communications technology (ICT) in global development with a focus on building a more inclusive and digitally connected society.
Held alongside WTISD, the GICT initiative focuses on empowering women and girls to pursue careers and leadership roles in the tech sector.
This year’s programme, themed “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation”, brought together policymakers, industry players and youth leaders to explore how digital innovation can advance inclusion, gender equity and sustainability.
In celebration of the ITU’s 160th anniversary, a commemorative stamp was also unveiled.
Also present at the event were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC executive chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and Kishore Babu Yerraballa, ITU area representative for South-East Asia and other member states in Asia and the Pacific.
