MCMC, telcos to provide high-speed internet for Johor polls

 

The focus will be on areas where the Election Commission and contesting political parties are based.

BATU PAHAT: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will work with telecommunications companies to provide high-speed internet facilities for the Johor state elections.

Communications and multimedia minister Annuar Musa said the focus would be on areas where the Election Commission’s operations and contesting political parties were based.

“This is in anticipation of an increase in data and internet use during the state elections, and especially to make things smoother for the EC.

“All the equipment will be supplied by telcos and assisted by MCMC. I have also instructed MCMC to check the internet speed and coverage in Johor during the elections,” he told reporters after a post-flood donation ceremony today.

Asked whether political parties could make use of government-owned media during the campaign period, Annuar said the matter would be decided by the Cabinet.

“Television broadcasts are national in nature, while the elections will only be in one state, so the use of radio may be more helpful. We will consult the state government so that everything runs in an orderly, fair and equitable manner.

“We already have guidelines based on our experience in the previous two state elections in Melaka and Sarawak,” he said.

The EC is expected to announce the date of the Johor state polls after a special meeting on Feb 9. - FMT