Starlink looks to Malaysia for expansion to provide internet for rural areas

KUALA LUMPUR – Starlink, an internet provider under SpaceX, operated by Elon Musk, has plans to expand its business in Malaysia.

The idea is that Starlink would allow better internet penetration rate particularly to rural areas with its high-speed, low-latency broadband internet that uses satellites instead of fibre optic cables.

Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali told Bernama and TV3 reporters in Los Angeles after meeting with SpaceX and Starlink representatives recently.

According to him, the government is still considering matters related to Starlink’s proposal to implement satellite-based internet service and the proposals are being reviewed thoroughly.

He explained that representatives from Starlink will be in Malaysia soon to review the proposals which he hopes may be resolved soon as the company is ready to bring the new technologies that would boost the country’s economy.

Additionally, Azmin stated that there is a local Johor-based company that manufactures essential components that Starlink uses to build their satellites.

SpaceX and Starlink’s goal is to have further exploration on this supply chain and to see if it can be expanded among local businesses as new investments require wider supply chain support, he explained.

“This will present Malaysian companies opportunities to become involved in space technologies in the near future,” he added.

In order to facilitate Malaysia’s digital transformation goals, Azmin stated that Starlink’s presence is crucial.

He added that he believes Starlink’s presence in the country would enable it to further strengthen its economic position in Southeast Asia and internationally.

Meanwhile, Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), revealed that the negotiations with SpaceX and Starlink are currently at the middle stages.

Speaking to Bernama, he said that both companies are seeing potential in Malaysia and the government is presently helping oversee the process to implement their planned projects in the country.

Aside from the meeting with SpaceX and Starlink, Azmin also met with Cue Health Inc, a healthcare technology company that offers portable diagnostic test for in-home use.

Azmin explained that Cue Health had developed an innovative medical gadget using new technology to perform a variety of tests including COVID-19.

He added that the company has already identified several viable locations for investments and that they would be finalising their choice in June.

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