SpaceX donates 50 Starlink kits to boost Malaysia's disaster readiness and rural internet

SpaceX contributed 50 Starlink kits to Malaysia, aiming to strengthen the country's disaster preparedness, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The donation was presented during a courtesy visit by a SpaceX delegation to the Perdana Putra Building in Putrajaya, attended also by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Discussions focused on expanding strategic cooperation, particularly extending Starlink's satellite internet service to underserved rural areas in Sabah, Sarawak and Orang Ali communities, complementing the government's JENDELA digital network.

Anwar praised the role of Starlink in enhancing internet coverage and noted the planned operation of a Starlink Point of Presence in Cyberjaya to ease local data traffic. He also emphasized that technological progress must be paired with robust cybersecurity, data protection and safe internet practices. The initiative aims to ensure that remote Malaysian communities receive reliable and secure internet access.