Licensed telcos in Malaysia can now install fibre optic infrastructure along the nation’s railway corridors, following a policy shift announced by transport minister Anthony Loke. The move, approved by Cabinet through a memorandum presented by Loke, ends the exclusivity previously held by FiberRail Sdn Bhd and opens the door for broader industry participation in digital infrastructure development.
YTL Communications Sdn Bhd is the first to secure a contract under this new policy, having been selected through a request for proposal (RFP) issued in 2023. The agreement covers the installation of high-speed fibre optic networks along 1,600km of track spanning from Padang Besar to Johor Bahru and Tumpat, Kelantan.
The Letter of Acceptance for the project was exchanged between the Ministry of Transport and YTL Communications during the Railway Assets Corporation’s (RAC) 2025 appreciation ceremony earlier today, which was also attended by communications minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Loke stressed that the initiative is open to all eligible telcos and not limited to a single company. He added that this ensures broader fibre optic coverage to reinforce the country’s digital and communications infrastructure, while providing the RAC with a recurring revenue stream through wayleave agreements.
The RAC described the policy change as a strategic move to support the country’s digital transformation by leveraging railway assets for telecommunications infrastructure. It anticipates the initiative will diversify revenue sources and reduce dependence on government funding. RAC added that the revenue generated will be reinvested into rail system upgrades, including rolling stock maintenance and station improvements.
(Source: Bernama)
