Wee assures tech giants on undersea cable repair works

Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong has assured tech giants Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX) that foreign vessels would be allowed to carry out undersea communications cable repair works if local vessels are unable to do it or are located too far from the areas where repairs are needed.

In a statement on Facebook, Wee said that he held a virtual dialogue session with the tech giants to give a clearer picture on the National Cabotage Policy at the Transport Ministry in Putrajaya.

“The cancellation of the cabotage exemption does not mean restricting any parties, including foreign companies or vessels, nor are we rejecting the entry of foreign companies into the country as alleged by the opposition,” he explained.

He said the dialogue session was attended by technology companies and representatives from various ministries and government agencies.

“This session was held amicably and the Transport Ministry and I have taken note of their input and views, including taking into consideration their interests in investing in our country.

“Such a session will be carried out again in the future for the benefit of both parties, including the interest of the people and the country as a whole,” he added.

Wee said the decision was made to protect the interest of the country’s shipping industry and to benefit Malaysians, especially when the world is facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Certainly, there are local vessels which are capable of undersea cable repair works. Their expertise has also been utilised in other countries such as Indonesia, Taiwan and Japan.

“It is questionable if they are allowed to perform such jobs overseas but are not accorded the same opportunities in Malaysian waters,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Shipowners' Association (Masa) chairperson Abdul Hak Md Amin said after a heated discussion on the cabotage regulation, members of the association have become more aware of the telecommunication companies' needs in Malaysia.

“The tightening of the cabotage policy will result in having a clear understanding of the needs and demands of these tech companies.

“Now we can sit down with these telcos and come up with the types of ships and the number of ships needed in Malaysia. Masa members are ready and willing to invest to buy more ships if necessary,” he told Bernama.

Abdul Hak said the relaxation of the cabotage policy would also result in an increase in the use of foreign vessels and would negatively impact the local maritime industry.

“If they (telco companies) need more ships, we are ready to invest and buy because there is demand,” he added.

- Bernama