Before going to fix Gaza’s telecom issues, take a look at the dead zones in our own backyard.
Once again, Malaysia is rushing to play hero on the global stage. This time, our communications minister, Fahmi Fadzil, is promising to help Palestine restore telecommunications in Gaza. But here’s a question: have we even managed to fix our own mess at home?
Those living in any rural area in Malaysia—Sabah, Sarawak, or even certain parts of the Peninsula—know exactly what this means. It’s 2024, and many Malaysians still struggle to get basic phone coverage, let alone high-speed internet. Dropped calls, dead zones, and sluggish connections are part of daily life for countless people. For all the talk about becoming a “digital economy,” Malaysia’s telecom network is patchy, outdated, and leaving much to be desired.
But instead of focusing on fixing these glaring issues, we’re off to help Gaza with its telecom needs. Don’t get me wrong—solidarity with Palestine is important, and it’s right to support the Palestinian people. But wouldn’t that support carry more weight if we had our own house in order first?
Take the countless complaints across rural Malaysia. People have been begging for better connectivity for years, but somehow these pleas go unheard. In 2022, the government launched the JENDELA program to improve digital infrastructure. It was a promising start, but the results have been slow and uneven. Many areas are still waiting for the connectivity they were promised, especially in East Malaysia, where locals have had to climb trees or hike to specific spots just to get a signal.
Yet, our leaders are more interested in playing saviour on foreign soil. Fahmi spoke about helping Gaza with digital banks, online payments, and even e-wallets. What about Malaysian citizens who are literally forced to climb trees in poorly connected rural areas just to get data signals?
This isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about priorities. Before offering to fix Gaza’s telecommunications, let’s make sure Malaysians don’t have to deal with third-world-level service at home. Let’s stop making big promises abroad when we’re falling short of our commitments here.
If Malaysia truly wants to be a global leader in telecommunications, then prove it right here. Deliver on the promises made to rural areas. Make sure every Malaysian has access to reliable, high-speed internet.
So, Minister Fahmi, before you go fixing Gaza’s telecom issues, maybe take a look at the dead zones in your own backyard. Malaysians are watching—and we’re tired of waiting.
The views expressed here are strictly those of Joshua Soong.