Budget 2027: RM5 Bln To Boost Internet Connectivity, RM130 Mln For Creative Industry

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM5 billion to strengthen the country’s Internet connectivity through the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) project, alongside more than RM130 million to support the local creative industry under Budget 2027.

In a statement today, the Communications Ministry said that the investment included expanding 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages and extending telecommunications infrastructure nationwide.

“For the creative sector, more than RM130 million has been allocated to support the local film, music and creative content industries, including incentives for local and international film and animation productions that undertake filming in Malaysia.

“Additional incentives will also be provided for works that showcase Malaysian culture and national identity,” the statement said.

The ministry said the government would also grant a full exemption from entertainment duty on tickets for films and local theatre performances in the Federal Territories from 2027.

In addition, 20 new intellectual properties will be created, while Malaysian characters will be commercialised on the global stage.

The government has also allocated RM142 million to strengthen the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), which supports efforts to expand public access to information.

To enhance cybersecurity, the Safe Internet Campaign will be implemented in all schools, focusing on tackling cyberbullying and child exploitation.

The ministry said the initiatives were expected to improve connectivity, digital literacy and the quality of creative industry output.

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled Budget 2027, themed “Malaysia MADANI: Reaching for the Sky, Rooted in the Ground”, on Oct 9.

The budget provides for government expenditure of RM459.8 billion, supplemented by RM25 billion in investments from government-linked investment companies (GLICs), RM11 billion in public-private investments, and RM14.2 billion in investments by Federal statutory bodies and Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc.) companies.

This brings the total expansionary fiscal package under Budget 2027 to RM510 billion.

-- BERNAMA