Malaysia to develop digital city

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim announced Wednesday the development of the Digital City to prepare Malaysia as a supplier of digital services by 2015.

He said the project, to be developed on a 5.66-hectare site in Angkasapuri, here, had recently been approved by the Cabinet and awaiting discussions with the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

"We are making plans with the EPU to have the best media facilities and radio and television broadcasts in the country," he told the media after launching the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Digital Broadcasting Symposium, here.

He dubbed the project as the most sophisticated information and
communications technology (ICT) project which would work towards realising Malaysia's goal of becoming the best digital services provider in the region.

Following a high demand in the digital broadcasting industry, Rais said the government also hoped to gather a team which could provide content for the broadcasting and digital industries.

"This means we will be making space for those with talent in animation, broadcasting and other matters related to digital technology development," he said.

He said a widespread digital development in Malaysia was necessary as it could bring high economic returns to the country.

"We are ready to develop this technology," he said.