DOHA (Nov 8): Malaysia sees significant opportunities to leverage satellite connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen disaster preparedness and communications resilience, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

Speaking at the Digital Leadership Forum Ministerial Panel held in conjunction with Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha 2026 here on Sunday, he said emerging technologies could complement conventional telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in remote and disaster-affected areas where alternative connectivity solutions might be required.

He said Malaysia also saw potential in integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to strengthen communications resilience during emergencies.

"Looking ahead, Malaysia sees opportunities to further leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, satellite connectivity and integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, to strengthen disaster preparedness and communications resilience.

"These technologies can complement conventional infrastructure, particularly in remote or disaster-affected areas where alternative connectivity solutions may be required," he said.

Fahmi said Malaysia was placing greater emphasis on strengthening emergency telecommunications capabilities to ensure essential communications remained available when conventional networks were disrupted.

He said reliable connectivity was crucial during disasters as it enabled emergency response teams to coordinate rescue operations and affected communities to access essential information.

"During a disaster, connectivity is not merely a convenience. It can be the difference between receiving timely assistance and being left isolated," he said.

To address these challenges, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had developed MCMC PRIME, a mobile radio and internet communications system designed to support connectivity when conventional telecommunications networks are disrupted..

He said the system provided an alternative means of communication during emergencies and supported coordination among response teams, while maintaining access to essential information.

He said the initiative was particularly relevant during severe flooding when damaged telecommunications infrastructure or disrupted electricity supply could affect conventional mobile networks.

Fahmi said Malaysia's approach also emphasised close coordination between MCMC and telecommunications operators, as well as the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and other relevant authorities.

He said such cooperation was essential to support disaster preparedness and identify affected network infrastructure, while coordinating restoration efforts and facilitating communications for emergency responders and affected communities.

He also stressed the importance of timely public warnings and reliable access to official information to enable communities to take appropriate precautionary measures during emergencies.

"Network resilience is not simply about preventing infrastructure failure. It is about ensuring that essential communications can continue, or be restored as quickly as possible, when lives and public safety are at stake," he said.

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