SpaceX has been granted a license to provide Starlink internet services in Malaysia, primarily targeting remote regions, according to the country’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The minister, in a recent Facebook post, stated that the SpaceX-run Starlink would initially serve schools and higher education establishments, reports the South China Morning Post.
The Malaysian government is also willing to collaborate with satellite communications providers, including Starlink, to achieve 100% internet coverage in populated regions, Fahmi stated. Approximately three percent of inhabited areas in Malaysia still have issues accessing the internet due to geographical and infrastructural challenges.
This development comes on the heels of a conversation last week between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Musk about potential investments by his companies in Malaysia.
Yesterday, Tesla officially unveiled its Model Y compact crossover SUV at an event in Kuala Lumpur. Deliveries to Malaysia are expected to commence next year. The Model Y rear-wheel-drive from Giga Shanghaii has a starting price of 199,000 ringgit (around US$43,765.12).
Malaysia is actively promoting the development of an EV ecosystem and has introduced tax incentives to encourage adoption. This is part of its broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. By 2030, the country aims for EVs, including hybrids, to account for 15% of total industry sales.
