Maxis to Connect Over 100,000 Penang Homes by 2027
Malaysia’s leading integrated telecommunications provider, Maxis recently launched its large-scale fibre network expansion in Penang with a target to connect over 100,000 homes across the state by 2027.
The rollout will cover all districts in Penang with a strong emphasis on high-demand urban areas such as Jelutong, George Town, Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru, alongside key locations on Mainland Penang.
Its chief executive officer Goh Seow Eng said the project contributed to the company’s national fibre network, which currently spans approximately 23,000 kilometers (km). He added that the enhanced infrastructure will be scalable to speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps).
“We have been working closely with the state government on this for a couple of years and we are excited to now move into the implementation phase. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, pending necessary permits from local town councils,” he said during the launching event.
According to Goh, the telco expects the full fibre rollout across Penang will take between 18 and 36 months to complete, ensuring that homes, businesses and institutions throughout the state benefit from robust, high-speed Internet access.
He added that Maxis’ fibre expansion in Penang is made possible by the Last Mile Connectivity Guidelines that was introduced by the Penang state government, which is a first-of-its kind initiative in Malaysia.
“This initiative not only support national digital transformation goals but also positions Penang as a leader in high-speed Internet accessibility and smart infrastructure development,” Goh said.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow noted that Maxis’ investment in building fibre optic infrastructures is a prime example of how the private sector can directly contribute to the state’s digital development.
“This initiative will indirectly strengthen the foundation for digital growth and accelerate progress towards a tech-savvy society.
“By providing fast, secure and reliable Internet access, Maxis can help bridge the digital divide that still exists within our communities, thereby empowering the people to explore opportunities in the future economy – whether in education, remote work, digital entrepreneurship or innovative development,” he noted.
