Malaysian communications minister, Fahmi Fadzil has said that Malaysia has issued a license to Elon Musk’s satellite communications service, Starlink, to provide internet services, particularly in the country’s remote areas, according to a Facebook post by the minister.

Minister Fahmi took to Facebook to share that he submitted a “facility and network services provider license” to a Starlink representative which will allow it to provide satellite internet services in Malaysia.

He went on to add that currently, 97% of the population has internet access, whereas the remaining 3% face a lack of access due to geographical issues which makes network construction a challenge.

“The government is therefore ready to work with satellite internet service providers including Starlink towards 100% internet access in populated areas,” he added.

The announcement of this license comes shortly after Malaysian PM, Anwar Ibrahim’s call with Musk to discuss his investment in the Southeast Asian country.

According to media reports, PM Anwar said that he welcomes the company’s interest and decision to invest in Malaysia.

Just recently, Musk’s automotive company, Tesla, officially launched in Malaysia. It unveiled its sport utility electric vehicle, Model Y, at an event in Kuala Lumpur with deliveries set to commence next year. Earlier this month, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Zafrul Azizsaid that the potential collaboration between Malaysia and Tesla will not be limited to the electric vehicle (EV) sector, as reported by Bernama.

Through the collaboration with Tesla, he stated that Malaysia hopes to increase its potential and attract more investment commitments in the automotive sector and other sectors in the nation. As part of Tesla’s growth in Malaysia, it is expected to partake in the upcoming IEMS 2023 scheduled from 4 to 6 October according to Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, group chief executive officer of Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).

Source: Marketing Interactive