Malaysia’s national ICT agencies have been reorganised to integrate activities and better coordinate the country’s ICT agenda. The Communications and Multimedia Ministry (KKMM), yesterday, took over the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Malaysian Network Information Centre (MYNIC) from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

KKMM has said that the streamlining of the ICT agencies under one ministry was to allow more effective execution of functions and implementation of powers entrusted to the Communications and Multimedia Minister. KKMM will now also develop, implement and monitor the National ICT Policy.

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek shared that this transfer would continue to strengthen and enhance the role of the country’s ICT sector. “Certainly, the role of the two bodies will be enhanced because how we coordinate our resources is also an important aspect.

“One of the two things which we should look at in the ICT sector is infrastructure, which has to be built fast. After we have the infrastructure, it is then the content which is also a huge industry and has to be developed accordingly,” he added.

MDeC is the nodal agency to ensure the success of the Multimedia Super Corridor, a national initiative to attract global leading ICT companies while also strengthening the local ICT industry. MYNIC is the sole administrator of the .my national level domain name, managing the internet identity of Malaysian agencies and individuals.

KKMM will now coordinate and optimise the issue of content development grants provided by MDeC, Communication and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) and National Film Development Corporation (FINAS).