02/04/2026

THURSDAY | APR 2, 2026

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All Asean ministerial-level meetings to be held virtually

the national development agenda.” In this regard, MCMC said in line with Regulation 5 of the Communications and Multimedia (Universal Service Provision) Regulations 2002, it was inviting eligible licensees to submit their Registration of Interest and Universal Service Provision Draft Plans within the stipulated period as a basis for evaluation to identify suitable licensees. The commission added that it would continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of Jendela 2 and the delivery of quality digital connectivity across the country. – Bernama Malacca allocates RM1.2m to boost unity initiatives MALACCA: The National Unity and Integration Department has received a special allocation of RM1.2 million from the Malacca state government since 2023 to implement a wide range of community unity programmes. Its Malacca director, Intan Suhana Yusuff, said the department receives RM300,000 annually to drive inter-racial integration initiatives aimed at enhancing socio economic wellbeing in the state. “The Malacca department received the allocation under the state government’s Focus 9: Health, Human Resources and Unity, which is designed to strengthen unity among local communities through various programmes that directly support the national unity agenda. “Since the implementation of this initiative, a total of 311 programmes have been carried out, involving 72,212 participants. This reflects a very encouraging response from the community and highlights the effectiveness of efforts to strengthen unity at the grassroots level,” she told Bernama. Among the initiatives implemented is the Jalinan Mesra Perpaduan@KRT Programme, held in conjunction with the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat Programme. Intan Suhana said this initiative has proven effective in delivering unity-driven messages to a broad target group. She added that the programmes involve diverse segments of society across various races and stakeholders, including Rukun Tetangga Areas, the Voluntary Patrol Scheme, the Rukun Negara Secretariat, Rukun Negara Clubs as well as Perpaduan childcare centres and kindergartens. It also involves community mediators, as well as federal and state agencies, statutory bodies, government-linked companies, corporate and private sectors, NGOs and local community leaders. Looking ahead to 2026, she said more programmes have been planned and are expected to continue delivering positive impact through a comprehensive and inclusive approach, in line with the unity government’s aspiration to build a Civil Malaysia under the 13th Malaysia Plan. “This effort aligns with the Together Building a Nation theme led by the National Unity Ministry in strengthening unity towards nation-building. “It also supports the achievement of the state-level Unity Index 2025, where Malacca recorded a high score of 0.816, the second highest in Malaysia, positioning Malacca as a model of social excellence,” she said. “The people in Malacca demonstrate a strong national ethos, positive cross-ethnic social relations, and active participation in community activities. Transparent governance and a harmonious social environment remain the state’s key strengths,” she added.

PETALING JAYA: All Asean ministerial-level meetings this year will be held virtually, with only engagements involving heads of government proceeding physically. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet had been briefed on the matter, noting that no in-person sessions would take place in Manila or elsewhere at the ministerial level. “Among the earliest upcoming meetings under the Asean framework will be the Health Ministers’ Meeting, which will also be held online,” he said at the weekly press conference yesterday. Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, said the Cabinet has agreed to set up a Communications Command Centre under the National Economic Action Council (NEAC), with daily media briefings scheduled at around 4pm. He said the committee will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and is expected to meet regularly, likely on a near-daily basis at the initial stage, to coordinate the government’s messaging – particularly on responses to the global energy crisis and the ongoing conflict in West Asia. “The Cabinet also discussed and decided that Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir will meet the o No in-person sessions this year, with only engagements involving government heads to proceed physically, says minister Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Since the implementation of Jendela Phase 1, MCMC said the government had made progress in expanding coverage and improving service quality, while Jendela 2 continued these efforts. The initiative is designed to bridge coverage gaps, enhance network performance and expand access to high-quality broadband, particularly in rural and underserved areas. “This initiative supports the national agenda to expand internet coverage to 2,700 sites nationwide and will benefit about 217,000 residents in rural and remote areas, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, while ensuring these communities continue to receive attention in resolution mechanisms and fairer wage structures. Its enforcement is expected to benefit about 1.64 million workers in the gig economy. Prior to the enforcement, gig workers operated under a contract-for-service arrangement, which classified them as self employed individuals, Bernama reported. This resulted in a lack of protection under the Employment Act 1955, including the absence of mandatory contributions to the Employees Provident Fund and the Social Security Organisation by e-hailing platform companies. the situation at Petronas remains under control for the April–May period. “At the same time, several vessels are currently en route and awaiting clearance to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. “Malaysia is not paying any toll, contrary to claims arising from misinterpretation of certain headlines circulated online,” he said. Fahmi stressed that weekly fuel prices for RON95, RON97 and diesel will continue to be announced every Wednesday, and any information circulating outside this schedule – especially if not issued by the Finance Ministry – should be treated as false. “Over the past three days, a significant amount of false information has circulated on social media platforms such as Facebook, Threads, TikTok and X. “As of midnight yesterday (March 31), a total of 96 pieces of content identified by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have been verified as false. This includes content involving misuse of news logos. “MCMC issued a statement confirming that three individuals who spread false information have been called in to provide statements and are being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act,” he said. Fahmi said the NEAC will continue deliberations at its meeting next week, with further announcements to follow as necessary. He added that the prime minister is scheduled to meet all menteris besar and chief ministers today to discuss the global energy crisis and its impact on the domestic economy. “Several measures and responses will be examined, and updates will be communicated following the meeting,” he said. Fahmi said several press briefings are also expected this afternoon, including one by the deputy prime minister II and possibly a statement from the prime minister after the meeting with state leaders.

Fahmi said a Communications Command Centre will be set up for daily media briefings on government responses to the global energy crisis and the ongoing conflict in West Asia. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy. “The purpose is to present the government’s views and outline measures formulated thus far, particularly on economic and financial issues arising from developments in West Asia and their impact on the national economy amid the global energy crisis,” he said. Fahmi said the NEAC had received a detailed presentation from Petronas, with several aspects reviewed. He added that the prime minister has instructed continued monitoring, adding that

‘Act provides recognition, protection for gig workers’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872), which came into effect on Tuesday, is a historic step towards recognising and protecting the gig community’s welfare in the country, said the Malaysian E-Hailing Coalition (GEM). Act is implemented effectively and consistently. “Let us together shape a future for gig workers that is better protected, sustainable, innovative and competitive,” he said.

Masrizal also expressed appreciation to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan for introducing the Act, which is seen as a proactive step in championing the plight of p-hailing and e-hailing workers. Passed in Parliament last year, the Act provides a legal framework to protect individuals working on e-hailing platforms, including access to social protection, dispute

GEM chief activist Masrizal Mahidin said the Act’s implementation proves that labour reforms are underway, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive and resilient employment ecosystem. “Malaysia has the potential to become a model at both regional and global levels if the

MCMC calls for Jendela 2 draft plans to enhance connectivity KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian

Platform for the first time. According to MCMC, the platform enables users to access WiFi networks using their existing mobile data plans from their respective network operators, thereby supporting a more consistent and seamless user experience. “Group 1 covers 1,000 sites nationwide, with 31.1% in Peninsular Malaysia, 33.7% in Sarawak and 35.2% in Sabah. “The project is expected to begin as early as the third quarter of 2026, subject to evaluation and governance processes. The remaining 1,700 sites will be implemented in subsequent groups, which will be finalised by MCMC at a later stage.”

Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued its first invitation for the submission of draft plans under the National Digital Network Phase 2 (Jendela 2), reflecting the government’s continued commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure and enhancing connectivity nationwide. MCMC said in a statement that the implementation of Group 1 would adopt a fit-for-purpose approach, including the provision of public cellular services for 4G and 5G, WiFi solutions via satellite connectivity, as well as the introduction of a Neutral Host