PM Anwar and Elon Musk discuss providing faster internet in Malaysia via SpaceX

Providing faster internet speeds in rural areas of Malaysia via the SpaceX Starlink satellites was among the topics brought up by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today in a video call with the company’s CEO Elon Musk.

“We also discussed about SpaceX’s participation with the Starlink satellite service which can contribute to faster and wider internet coverage, especially at the interiors, which only requires physical infrastructure and minimal land to increase the global internet network,” said Anwar.

Also Read: Officially imported Tesla Model Y for Malaysia - from RM 199k, FSD upgrade for RM 32k, deliveries starting in 2024

The video call today morning lasted just under 30 minutes and Anwar included an invitation to Malaysia for Musk.

Anwar added that the initiative to boost internet speeds by using the Starlink satellite network is for the wellbeing of Malaysians as it will help in terms of education as well as generating income for agriculture technology.

As per Starlink’s website, the satellite network provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the world by virtue of the world’s largest constellation of satellites in low-earth orbit.

The network supports high data rate activities that includes streaming, video calls and even online gaming as being in low-earth orbit means a lower latency or shorter round trip data time between the satellite and the end user.

Also Read: Watch out 3 Series, C-Class - Tesla's presence in Malaysia would disrupt the premium segment

Anwar went on to congratulate Musk on Tesla’s official opening in Malaysia, of which the latter is the CEO as well. Tesla EVs will now be brought in via official channels and the carmaker’s operations here includes a head office, experience centre and service centre in Selangor.

The move is expected to open opportunities for better-paying jobs for Malaysians and increased participation of local companies in Tesla’s ecosystem.

“Malaysia will continue to strengthen its commitment in the matter of net zero carbon emissions as early as 2050. Malaysia has a comprehensive plan and ecosystem, and competitive resources in supporting the clean energy industry, including electric mobility,” said Anwar.

Hopping onto the call today together with Anwar and Musk was Lauren Dreyer, the senior director of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX as well as Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, and Fahmi Fadzil, the Communications and Digital Minister.

Tesla’s official presence in Malaysia will also include setting up its supercharger network here with a minimum 50 superchargers within 3 years, as stipulated in the government’s requirements to them. Furthermore, at least 30 percent of the supercharger network must be usable by other marques as well.

Tengku Zafrul mentioned earlier that Tesla’s move to enter the Malaysian market stemmed from the country’s strong electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, including the country being a part of Tesla’s supply chain.

Malaysia is the 7th largest producer in the E&E and semiconductor industry that directly supplies components for the manufacturing of EVs.

Tesla offers 3 models here that are priced as follows:

• Tesla Model Y RWD - RM 199,000
• Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD - RM 246,000
• Tesla Model Y Performance AWD - RM 288,000