SpaceX donates 50 Starlink kits to Malaysia for disaster preparedness

KUALA LUMPUR, October 1 — In a gesture aimed at bolstering Malaysia's disaster preparedness, United States aerospace company SpaceX has donated 50 Starlink kits to the country, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The donation was made during a courtesy call by a SpaceX delegation at the Perdana Putra Building in Putrajaya, alongside Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

The meeting discussed the potential for strengthening strategic cooperation between Malaysia and SpaceX through Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by the company. Anwar highlighted the importance of expanding network access, particularly in rural areas of Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia, as well as in Orang Asli settlements.

He appreciated the role of Starlink in supporting the government's efforts to improve internet coverage and quality, especially through the National Digital Network (Jendela) and the operation of Starlink's Point of Presence (PoP) infrastructure in Cyberjaya. Anwar emphasized that while technological advancements are crucial, it is equally important to ensure that they bring tangible benefits to the people, without compromising cybersecurity, data protection, and safe internet usage.