Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has met billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and discussed about the participation of SpaceX in the Starlink satellite service, which can help to improve internet connectivity in rural areas.
“We also discussed the participation of SpaceX in the Starlink satellite service, which can contribute to faster and broader internet access, especially in remote areas that require minimal physical infrastructure and land to improve global internet connectivity,” Anwar said in a statement on Friday, after a virtual meeting with Musk, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SpaceX.
This initiative will enhance the capabilities and well-being of the people, particularly in terms of education, agricultural technology potential, and income generation, he said.
Founded in 2002 by Musk, SpaceX is a spacecraft engineering company which designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft in a bid to “revolutionize” space technology. Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe.
Within each coverage area, orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. With Starlink, users can engage in activities that historically have not been possible with satellite internet, information from SpaceX’s website showed.
Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency service is made possible via the world’s largest constellation of highly advanced satellites operating in a low orbit around the Earth, the company claimed.
Malaysia government has aimed to improve internet access in the country. Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said in March the issue of internet access in Malaysia, especially in rural areas, will be resolved by June this year. He then said the Ministry of Communications and Digital, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, will hold discussions with telecommunications companies to identify and find appropriate solutions.
Meanhwile, Anwar also said he welcomes the interest and investment decisions of Tesla in Malaysia, as well as Musk’s willingness to come to Malaysia.
“I also congratulate and appreciate the government’s support for the opening of the headquarters, service center, and Tesla Experience Center owned by Elon in Selangor this year,” he added.
Musk is also the CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc and the owner of Twitter. Tesla will be launching in Malaysia on July 20, 2023, according to earlier reports.
Malaysia will continue to strengthen its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions as early as 2050. Malaysia has comprehensive plans and ecosystems, as well as competitive resources, to support the clean energy industry, including electric mobility, Anwar said.