2027 Budget: MCMC steps up connectivity, digital safety and AI initiatives
KUALA LUMPUR: The 2027 Budget, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat today, outlines several government initiatives to strengthen the country's digital infrastructure through programmes implemented by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The 2027 Budget presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim allocates a RM5 billion budget for the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) to enhance Malaysia's digital infrastructure through initiatives from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the government's commitment to boosting internet connectivity, ensuring digital safety, and accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
MCMC will extend 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages, aiming to bring remote communities into the digital network. The connectivity push is part of broader measures to make digital services, education, and economic opportunities accessible to Malaysians. The government is also strengthening online protection and developing AI capabilities.
Efforts to protect children online, such as the enhanced Malaysia Internet Crime Against Children (MICAC) system and Safer Internet Campaign, will be intensified. To accelerate AI adoption, 100,000 free AI subscriptions, including access to applications like ChatGPT, will be available. A sovereign AI cloud is being developed, and RM6 billion is allocated for research and development in AI-related projects.
The Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation will receive RM30 million to aid 4,000 SMEs in adopting AI. The government is also investing in digital skills and entrepreneurship, with the Digital Rakyat platform providing over 16,000 courses and certificates. A RM1 billion investment in healthcare digitalization through the National Digital Health Ecosystem and Connectivity Driver (PERSADA) initiative aims to improve healthcare service delivery efficiency.
Standardized charge categories for private hospital bills and digitization of the licensing process for private healthcare facilities are also part of the digital transformation efforts.
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