Malaysia Boosts Digital Infrastructure with New SALAM Submarine Cable Network

Malaysia is making strides in its efforts to enhance digital connectivity within the country. The nation’s communications regulatory body is encouraging licensed telecommunications entities to consider participating in the construction of a new domestic underwater cable network.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has prompted qualified license holders to indicate their interest in this groundbreaking project on July 16. They were also asked to present an initial Universal Service Plan for evaluation. The regulator requested draft proposals, however, they did not provide a final date for submissions.

The planned network, named SALAM (Sambungan Kabel Dasar Laut MADANI), is projected to extend over 5,582 kilometers. It will consist of four submarine cable segments connecting ten landing stations scattered throughout the nation. SALAM’s primary objective is to bolster Malaysia’s internal communications infrastructure by creating a new underwater backbone that connects Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak.

According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the new network is expected to eventually replace the ageing SCREAM cable system. This system has been a significant domestic link for over a decade.

With the introduction of SALAM, the MCMC plans to further augment domestic transmission capacity. It also aims to support multiple services and industries such as nationwide 5G expansion, broadband services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications, data centers, and other digital industries. Funded under Malaysia’s USP framework, SALAM will assist in financing communications projects in underserved regions, with contributions sourced from qualifying telecommunications license holders.

Oscar Ling, a Sibu Member of Parliament, applauded the project, stating that it would enhance connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. He also noted that it would help deliver more reliable internet services to communities in Sibu and across Sarawak.

The progression of the project is contingent on the expressions of interest and draft Universal Service Plans submitted by eligible telecommunications companies. The MCMC has not yet announced when these submissions will be made public.