Malaysia to build ‘smart communities’ nationwide

Malaysia will expand a project bringing digital services to rural communities across the country. According to Bernama, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is running the “Smart Community” projects. It will create programmes for local entrepreneurs, provide online learning and bring digital services for locals.

"This initiative is aimed at improving the quality of life and socio-economic status of the local community through the use of ICT and faster access to information”, said Datuk Seri Dr Halim Shafie, chairman of MCMC.

The programme was first piloted in Kemaman, a district in Terengganu last year. Since then, Kemaman has built an operations centre for flood response. It has also set up internet access centres and run a hackathon for locals to develop mobile apps.

"The first requirement for a smart community is its communications infrastructure equipment," Halim added.

MCMC is working with telecommunications companies to expand the coverage and speed of broadband services across the country. Smart Community developments are also underway in three other states: Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak.

Malaysia has also launched an “Intelligent Community” project to improve safety in remote villages. The project has installed CCTV cameras and flood monitoring sensors along river banks to alert residents to rising waters. Image by Kemaman Smart Community