LOS ANGELES: Starlink, a high-speed, low-latency broadband internet provider operated by Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, plans to expand its footprint in Malaysia to enable the country to increase its internet penetration rate, especially in the rural areas.
International trade and industry minister Azmin Ali said, however, that several policy-related matters were still being considered by the government on Starlink’s proposals to introduce internet service using satellites.
“The government has studied some of the proposals submitted by Starlink.
“Starlink representatives will be in Malaysia next week to scrutinise these proposals, and we hope this can be finalised in the near future as they are ready to come to Malaysia, bringing these new technologies that would benefit the economy,” he said.
Azmin was speaking to Bernama and TV3 journalists after meeting with representatives of SpaceX and Starlink at the SpaceX headquarters here yesterday.
He said that currently, a Johor-based Malaysian company was already manufacturing essential components for the satellites built by Starlink.
“Their (SpaceX and Starlink) intention is to see that this supply chain can be expanded among local companies because with this new investment, they need the support of a wider supply chain.
“This will provide an opportunity for Malaysian companies to get involved in space technology in the near future,” he said.
He said Starlink’s presence is important for Malaysia in facilitating its digital transformation agenda.
“I believe that with Starlink’s presence in Malaysia, it will be able to further strengthen Malaysia’s economic position in Southeast Asia and globally,” he said.
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) CEO Arham Abdul Rahman said negotiations with SpaceX and Starlink were at the “middle stages”.
“The companies see the potential in Malaysia, and the government is facilitating the process to realise their proposed project in the country,” he said.
Besides meeting with SpaceX and Starlink, Azmin had a meeting with Cue Health Inc, a healthcare technology company that develops portable diagnostic tests for home use.
Azmin said the company had introduced a medical device specifically to perform a range of tests, including that of Covid-19 using pioneering technology.
“They have identified several suitable sites for this investment, and they will be in Malaysia in June to finalise a suitable place to invest,” he said. - FMT
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