Malaysia considers satellite links and AI for emergency communications
An existing MCMC system provides backup radio and internet connections when normal telecommunications services are disrupted, the communications minister said.
Satellite connections and artificial intelligence are among the technologies Malaysia is considering to improve disaster readiness and keep emergency communications working, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said in Doha.
Addressing the Digital Leadership Forum Ministerial Panel at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha 2026, Fahmi said combining ground-based networks with non-terrestrial systems offered another potential way to improve resilience. Such technologies could supplement traditional infrastructure in isolated locations or places affected by disasters.
Fahmi pointed to MCMC Prime, developed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), as an existing backup option. The mobile system supplies radio and internet communications during network disruptions, helping response teams coordinate their work and retain access to essential information.
He said the system was especially relevant in severe floods, when infrastructure damage or interruptions to electricity supplies could disrupt mobile networks. Reliable connections allow rescue teams to organise operations and help affected residents obtain information, he added.
Malaysia’s approach also relies on MCMC working with telecoms operators, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and other authorities, Fahmi said. This includes locating damaged infrastructure, organising repairs and supporting communications for responders and communities. He also highlighted prompt public alerts and dependable official information as important for helping people take precautions.
