Starlink Pockets Permit To Operate In Malaysia

JAKARTA - The Malaysian government has issued a permit to Starlink, a satellite communication service founded by Elon Musk, to provide internet services in the country, especially in remote areas. This was said by the country's Minister of Communications on Thursday, July 20.

Malaysia's Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, stated in a post on Facebook that Starlink, operated by Musk's SpaceX, will begin providing services to schools and higher education institutions.

"The Malaysian government is also willing to cooperate with satellite communications companies, including Starlink, to ensure 100 percent internet coverage in populated areas," said Fahmi.

"About three percent of the population in Malaysia is facing internet access problems, due to geographical challenges and infrastructure," he added.

The announcement comes a week after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held talks with Musk to discuss his company's investment in Malaysia.

The government previously announced this year that its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Tesla, would open an office in Malaysia. They also approved the company's request to import battery-powered EVs into the country, as part of the government's efforts to encourage sustainable mobility.

On Thursday, July 20 separately, Tesla introduced their sports utility electric vehicle - Model Y - at an event in Kuala Lumpur, with deliveries to Malaysia set to begin next year.

The rear wheel drive model has an initial price of 199,000 ringgit (Rp657.6 million), Tesla said in a statement.