Malaysia is set to advance its digital infrastructure with the upcoming Madani Submarine Cable Connection (Salam) project — a RM2 billion initiative under the 2026 Budget that aims to expand high-speed internet capacity and improve data transmission between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
The move comes as part of the government’s long-term goal to create a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystem under the Malaysia Madani framework, ensuring that no region is left behind in connectivity.
Replacing an Ageing Network
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the project was necessary to address the growing strain on the existing 1Malaysia People’s Cable System (SCREAM), which has reached its capacity limits after years in operation.
“SCREAM has been established for a long time, and its capacity is now reaching its limits. Therefore, there is an urgent need for us to build a new submarine cable network,” Teo said.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will oversee the construction of the 3,190-kilometre submarine cable, which will connect Sedili in Johor to Kuching and Sibu in Sarawak, and extend further to Tuaran, Kudat, Pulau Banggi, Sandakan, and Tawau in Sabah.
Meeting Rising Data Demands
Teo said the Salam project is also designed to meet the growing need for faster and more reliable data transmission, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and digital services continue to expand.
“The volume of data being transmitted via the internet today is extremely large, and it continues to rise sharply in this era of AI,” she said during a press conference after officiating a community event in Pontian.
She added that the project will significantly enhance network resilience and support Malaysia’s broader digital transformation efforts by improving latency, capacity, and overall connection quality.
Part of Malaysia’s Digital Push
The Salam project was first announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of the 2026 Budget last Friday. It aligns with the government’s focus on digital inclusivity and technological advancement under the Malaysia Madani vision.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil previously said the new system will replace the ageing SCREAM network, which has been in use for more than a decade, to ensure Malaysia’s connectivity infrastructure remains competitive and secure.
Once completed, the undersea cable is expected to form a vital backbone for Malaysia’s digital economy, bridging connectivity gaps and supporting future innovations across regions.
