‘Use social media with caution’
Minister says an informed society will promote unity
KUALA LUMPUR: Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak (pic) said social media, which has evolved into a popular communication channel for the people to obtain information, should be used prudently, including when sharing differences in opinion, without stirring hatred.
Salleh, who celebrates his first anniversary in helming the ministry today, said people should know how to manage differences in opinion or dissent as it was important in sustaining national stability and prosperity.
“Knowledge, mature thinking, constructive criticism and an informed society can help drive the national agenda to promote patriotism, unity, harmony, tolerance and respect for one another.
“I believe that differences of opinion are acceptable and should be welcomed. Differences of opinion need not lead to disunity and feelings of hatred,” he said.
On complaints from people regarding the slow speed and not enough coverage of the Internet, Salleh said the Government was continuously expanding and improving digital infrastructure, as it realised that communications is vital for developing knowledgeintensive industries and accelerating economic development.
“I am giving priority to improving Internet access through the high-speed broadband projects; the High-Speed Broadband 2 (HSBB2) and Suburban Broadband (SUBB).
“As of now, the broadband speed has increased with the availability of 1.9 million ports under HSBB and HSBB2, benefiting 3.1 million premises,” he added.
As for the expansion of 3G Mobile Broadband coverage, he said a total of 1,392 locations in the country had been upgraded to 3G service.
He said the expansion of the Fibre Optic Network or 1Malaysia Peoples Cable System, which involves the installation of a fibre optic submarine cable between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, will be able to provide speedier communication.
“I am proud that this initiative has improved Malaysia’s ranking from ninth position in 2014 to eighth in 2015 in the Information and Communication Technology Development Index for the AsiaPacific region.
On another matter, Dr Salleh said the digital economy was a part of the Government’s agenda and a major focus as it could potentially contribute about 20% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2020.
He said to mobilise the digital economy, there should be emphasis on developing a conducive digital ecosystem to boost the growth of the industry to enable speedier development of the ecosystem so that industry players could comply with Government procedures and requirements.