KUALA LUMPUR: The digital economy is a part of the government’s agenda and a major focus as it could potentially contribute about 20 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2020, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak. He said to mobilise the digital economy, there must be emphasis on developing a conducive digital ecosystem in order to boost the growth of the industry in the field.
He said this included amending the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which would enable speedier development of the ecosystem as the new provisions would enable the industry players to comply with government procedures and requirements. “For instance, the establishment of the Data Centre in Iskandar Malaysia will enable industry players to undertake digital economy activities in Malaysia at more effective costs.
“This is because the Access Pricing Framework will be improved to encourage competition and sharing of infrastructure among service providers,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama in conjunction with the first year anniversary of him helming the ministry, here. Salleh also said he was proud of the growth of the local information and communications technology (ICT) industry, including the success of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) which had contributed to raising the standard of living of the people especially through investments locally and abroad, as well as in generating new jobs. He said last year alone, MSC Malaysia had contributed RM15.3 billion to the GDP, and recording the highest value of investments since MSC Malaysia was established with new investments totaling RM5 billion.
He said this was an increase of 72 per cent compared to the RM2.9 billion in 2014. In addition to generating 10,981 jobs in 2015, he said a total of 4,042 companies which were given MSC Malaysia status also recorded total sales value of RM42.1 billion and export revenue of RM16.2 billion through the development of ICT products and services. “Cyber cities and cyber centres were developed throughout the country. By June 2016, there were 44 cyber cities and cyber centres operating nationwide,” he said.
On the latest developments in online business and e-commerce, Salleh said the eRezeki programme had attracted 76,156 people from the B40 (lower income) category to register. He said 30,925 participants had been trained under the programme with 22,873 who had generated income amounting to more than RM15 million so far. Meanwhile, he said, the eUsahawan programme had trained 19,694 technical and vocational education and training (TVET) students and entrepreneurs through various courses, including 5,976 who had generated additional income with cumulative total exceeding RM12 million. Salleh also said he saw the creative industry as having a big potential to generate wealth and create jobs in the country through the promotion and exploitation of intellectual property which can compete in the international market. He said among the major challenges which must be addressed were talent development and producing quality local content which could be developed and recognised internationally.
“I have asked that talent development and quality content be given priority in a comprehensive plan. At the same time, an effective marketing plan must also be drawn up,” he said. Salleh added that as of June this year, the export sales and investment value was RM51.2 million in the international film market, while the content exports amounted to RM240 million. “Meanwhile, the total collection for 24 films which came under the compulsory screening scheme was RM56.74 million.
All these prove that the creative industry is capable of being a driver of the country’s economy,” he said. On the migration of terrestrial television to digital through the implementation of the National Broadcasting Digital Project, Salleh said the service will be launched in stages from the fourth quarter of 2016, beginning with the East Coast states in Peninsular Malaysia. He said as of June this year, the coverage of digital television had been provided to almost 85 percent of populated areas through the construction of 14 TV transmitting stations in the country. “Ten more TV transmitting stations will be installed by the end of this year to expand the coverage of digital TV service to 91 per cent in populated areas,” he said.
