HIGH INTERNET BANDWIDTH DEMAND IN MALAYSIA IN 2023, SAYS MYIX

The Malaysia Internet Exchange, or MyIX, says the demand for internet bandwidth in Malaysia has reached new highs, with a 20% year-on-year increase from 2022 to 2023.

Demand reached its highest at 2.311 TeraBits (Tbps) per second in the past year, marking the surge from the 1.938 Tbps peak in 2022, the highest ever recorded since its establishment in 2006, it said in a statement.

MyIX, an initiative under the Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is today Malaysia's largest internet exchange. Its mission is to enhance Malaysia's internet infrastructure by empowering members to exchange traffic with each other, to “keep internet traffic local” and to optimise network performance.

MyIX chairman Chiew Kok Hin said: “Our findings indicate that there has been a significant rise in online activities throughout the country.”  

In response to this growing demand, he said the MyIX committee has decided to reduce its port pricing by 10 to 20% to offer more benefits to its members from April 1, 2024.

Specifically, the cost for a 1Gbps port will be lowered to RM400 per month (down from RM500), a 10Gbps port will be reduced to RM1,600 per month (previously RM2,000), and a 100Gbps port will now be RM7,200 monthly (previously RM8,000).

“The revision in MyIX's pricing positions us as one of the most affordable – if not the most affordable – internet exchanges in the region,” said Chiew.“Active peering members bring value to the IX community which in turn supports Malaysia's goal to improve internet speed, affordability and access, contributing to a digitally inclusive society.”

He said that through strategic pricing adjustments, MyIX has further strengthened Malaysia's role in the regional digital economy, promoting growth and innovation at all levels.

Meanwhile, MyIX recently concluded its annual general meeting, which was attended by MCMC head of technology development Mohamed Hakim Othman, is also reinforcing its commitment to nurturing local talent.

As part of its various CSR initiatives to build a skilled workforce, the exchange recently hosted a free training programme to empower selected individuals with the knowledge and expertise much needed within today's digital economy, particularly in network infrastructure.