Multimedia, communications sector

> Blueprint introduced to make country more connected in digitally advanced era

PUTRAJAYA: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry has identified six strategic points in the Communications and Multimedia Blueprint (CMB) 20182025 to empower and strengthen the country’s communications and multimedia sector, namely: connecting people; strengthening trust; intensifying engagement; accelerating innovation; catalysing creativity, and empowering talent. Its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Jailani Johari said the blueprint, that took 15 months to prepare, would make Malaysia more connected in a digitally advanced era and become a digital nation.

“These six (areas) reflect the ministry’s aspiration to ensure there is optimum balance between economic and social development.

“The blueprint will be launched and rolled out in the first quarter of next year. As Malaysia advances towards becoming a high-income nation, it is imperative to be more agile and ahead of technology advancement,” he said at the “Digitising & Humanising” CMB forum and soft launch yesterday.

Also present were ministry secretarygeneral Tan Sri Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad, senior ministry officials and Bernama general manager Datuk Zulkefli Salleh, Bernama reported.

Jailani said CMB is a framework of policies and shared responsibilities that would provide a platform for the people to take advantage of communications and multimedia opportunities both locally and globally.

“This (blueprint) will help accelerate growth and the transformation of other sectors of economy and create a connected, informed and empowered society, which is an essential component of Malaysia’s aspiration to become a highincome, inclusive and sustainable nation.”

However, Jailani said the blueprint should also align with the Asean ICT Masterplan 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure consumer protection, especially in addressing privacy and security.

At a press conference later, he said one of the blueprint’s objectives is to increase high-speed broadband coverage from the current 81% to 95% by 2025 for homes and businesses.

Among others, he added, broadband internet would be enhanced at rural areas to help the communities connect better.

“This blueprint is carefully crafted with various consultations and engagements with multiple stakeholders comprising the relevant ministries and industry players to identify gaps and challenges for the industry to move forward.”