CYBERJAYA, July 30 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has partnered with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to improve telecommunications and internet connectivity along highways nationwide to support safer journeys and the development of smarter transport infrastructure.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said reliable connectivity has become a basic necessity for road users, who increasingly depend on digital services throughout their journeys.
“In today's digital era, people not only expect highways that are safe and smooth, but also continuous communications connectivity throughout their journey,” he said during the memorandum of understanding (MOU) exchange ceremony between MCMC and LLM at MCMC’s headquarters today.
Fahmi added that stronger communications coverage along highways is not merely a telecommunications project but a strategic investment that supports public safety, enhances economic productivity, and accelerates the nation’s digital transformation.
“The collaboration will also support economic growth and the logistics sector, which increasingly rely on data and digital connectivity for vehicle monitoring, fleet management, and more efficient movement of goods,” he said.
Today’s event saw the signing of the MOU to establish a strategic framework for both agencies to jointly develop and enhance telecommunications infrastructure along highways across the country.
Under it, the MCMC aims to build 77 new telecommunications towers along approximately 50km of highway stretches identified as having poor mobile coverage.
Fahmi noted that stronger communications infrastructure will lay the foundation for future technologies, including Intelligent Transport Systems, the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) toll system, and other smart mobility initiatives.
“To ensure this collaboration is translated into real action, MCMC and LLM will establish a joint task force to coordinate project implementation, identify priority areas, and address implementation challenges more quickly and effectively,” he said.
The minister also revealed that MCMC had begun implementation efforts after issuing a request for proposals on May 15, to improve Internet coverage along several major highways, including the East Coast Expressway 2, the West Coast Expressway, and the Pan Borneo Highway.
“For certain locations where it may not be cost-effective to build new towers, satellite-based Direct-to-Device technology could provide a more practical solution,” he said, noting that constructing a new telecommunications tower can take between 18 and 24 months.
Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the MOU demonstrated the government's commitment to integrate physical and digital infrastructure to meet the demands of a technology-driven economy.
“Physical and digital infrastructure can no longer be viewed separately. Both must move together to ensure the country can meet the demands of a modern economy that increasingly depends on technology, data, and connectivity.
“The Smart Highway initiative is not merely about adopting new technology. It involves creating an infrastructure ecosystem capable of supporting real-time traffic management, digital asset monitoring, more responsive safety systems, and a smoother travel experience,” he said.
Nanta said that LLM will continue to facilitate communications infrastructure development within highway reserve areas by coordinating with concessionaires, telecommunications providers, local authorities, and technical agencies to ensure projects are implemented efficiently.
“This is a significant step towards strengthening the country's infrastructure preparedness and ensuring the benefits of digital development can be enjoyed more widely,” he said.
