An article from TechCentral that reports on ICT (Information and Communications Technology) initiatives that were publicised in the recent 2008 Budget, where the government hopes to increase exposure to MSC (Multimedia Super-Corridor) Status companies abroad, also mentioned the need to increase public broadband penetration rates from 12% to 50% by the year 2010 - equal to over a 300% increase in just 2 years!

The measures include intensified promotional activities through various international ICT conferences and the establishment of a Knowledge Workers Development Institute. MCA ICT Resource Centre (MIRC) chief executive officer Andrew Wong said the private sector could play a supporting role to further stimulate Malaysia’s ICT growth.

Part of the accelerated efforts in broadband roll-out includes 100% investment allowance on capital expenditure incurred for last-mile network facility providers until Dec 31, 2010 and import duty and sales tax exemptions for broadband equipment. ”Local network service providers should quickly leverage on the benefits extended to them in rolling out broadband services,” said David Wong Nan Fay, chairman of the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia.