Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has agreed with his proposal to recognise internet services as a utility, just like water and electricity, which are required in obtaining planning permission (KM) approval.

Saifuddin said the proposal would require the amendment of some related laws and regulations.

“If the state government and local authorities recognise the internet as a utility, this will help speed up the process of providing internet services to the area that is to be developed,” he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from Sanusi at the ministry here today.

Saifuddin also praised the establishment of a one-stop centre by the Kedah government to expedite the approval and construction of towers to boost internet services in the state.

Welcoming the move to list internet services as a utility in Kedah, Sanusi said the proposal would be discussed with the developers and it was expected to benefit the people in the future.

“I feel that Kedah cannot be left behind in this matter (internet access) and it will be implemented as soon as possible. I understand that when Kedah starts this process, it will be the first state to list the internet as a utility,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the establishment of the one-stop centre, among others, would be able to solve the problem of 75% of telecommunication towers built illegally in Kedah.