Communications Ministry's budget wishlist: Internet connectivity as 3rd utility
KUANTAN: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry has proposed internet services to be listed as a utility in the upcoming 2021 Budget as part of the efforts to expand its access nationwide.
Its Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said if the service is listed as utility, then it would become the third utility after water and electricity.
"I hope the internet connectivity will be listed as a utility. It is important as these days, when the local authorities approves a development project the respective developer is supposed to submit the "kebenaran merancang"(planning permission).
"The planning permission will have details about the piping layout (water) and wiring system (electricity) plan but there is no requirements for the telecommunication line or fiber optic cables. Internet would be usually installed much later after the development project is completed as this later becomes a setback to ensure proper internet services," he told reporters after launching the e-dakwah platform for religious talks and parliamentary-level Maulidur Rasul celebration at Tengku Panglima Perang Tengku Muhammad mosque here today.
Saifuddin, who is also the Indera Mahkota member of parliament, said making it compulsory for new projects, both residential or commercial, to equipped with internet access will expedite works to build communication towers in the respective area.
"Building a communication tower after the development project is been completed will certainly result delays, so this can be overcome by making internet connectivity as a utility in the planning permission. All local authorities will have to follow the requirements.
"The process to build a communication tower takes between six months and about a year. When a certain development project does not have internet services, then it would result delays to find a proper location to build the tower," he said.
Meanwhile, on a separate matter, Saifuddin urged all member of parliaments from both sides of the divide to put aside their political differences to pass the Budget 2021 which is scheduled to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 6.
"Maybe this is the time to ensure a bipartisan support by not emphasising too much on the political party but giving the budget priority by putting forward the people's interest.
"We are experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic which has to be overcome and the government has been doing the necessary with the main focus is to strike a balance between health and economy...or life and livelihood.
"To continue this efforts we need funds and this budget is for the people.
"I hope for the sake of the budget we can cooperate and pass the budget not because we want to defend the Prime Minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin or PN (Perikatan Nasional) government but this would ensure continues efforts to assist the people....without the funds it would be difficult to help the people," he said. - NST
✍ Credit given to the original owner of this post : ☕ Malaysians Must Know the TRUTH
🌐 Hit This Link To Find Out More On Their Articles...🏄🏻♀️ Enjoy Surfing!
Post a Comment