Malaysia is building its own digital cloud to safeguard data sovereignty, minister says

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — Malaysia is constructing its own digital cloud to preserve data sovereignty, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. The government aims to safeguard classified information that could be exposed to foreign regulations if stored on public cloud services. The sovereign AI cloud initiative, previously mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is now being implemented.

Fahmi emphasized that the project is crucial for protecting Malaysia’s digital sovereignty, particularly for securing sensitive government data from potential vulnerabilities in public cloud policies. The project will be overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Communications Ministry.

Fahmi highlighted the importance of providing wider, faster, and more affordable internet access to bolster Malaysia’s digital economy, which accounts for over 25.5% of the country’s GDP. Phase One of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative has already aided in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural regions.

However, connectivity issues persist, especially when users move beyond village areas. Fahmi stressed the necessity of uninterrupted connectivity to benefit entrepreneurs, students, and the general public who rely on online services. He also noted that 5G technology could enhance agricultural productivity by leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics.

In Budget 2027, the government has allocated RM5 billion for JENDELA to enhance high-quality internet coverage, especially in rural and remote areas. Fahmi’s remarks were made during a segment on Bernama TV Ruang Bicara titled “Budget 2027: Empowering Communication, Driving the Orange Economy.”