Malaysia’s digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, as highlighted by the latest report from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). The report reveals that Internet access in households has increased to 96 percent in 2022, a slight rise compared to 94.9 percent in 2021. Moreover, the use of the Internet among Malaysians aged 15 and above has also seen a significant increase. This article delves into the key findings of the report, shedding light on the expanding online activities and the growing digital trends shaping Malaysia’s digital future.
According to DoSM’s report, household access to the Internet has shown consistent growth, reaching 96 percent in 2022. Furthermore, the usage rates of essential devices such as mobile phones, radios, and televisions have remained above 95 percent. However, access to pay television broadcasts has decreased from 83.2 percent in 2021 to 76.9 percent in 2022.
The report highlights the increasing usage of the Internet among Malaysians aged 15 and above. The most popular online activity is participating in social networks. However, the use of the Internet has expanded beyond social networking. Malaysians are now actively engaged in various online activities, including finding information, communication, civics and politics, e-Government services, entertainment, e-Commerce, and more.
DoSM’s report identifies significant growth in online services. Malaysians are increasingly using the Internet to find information about goods or services, upload self-created content to websites, manage personal homepages, perform online tasks for income generation, engage in Internet banking, listen to online radio, watch online television, and make online purchases via e-Commerce platforms. These trends reflect a growing reliance on digital platforms for various aspects of daily life.
The study also highlights improvements in ICT skills among Malaysians. Basic skills, such as copying files and sending emails, have become more widespread. Moreover, activities that require specific expertise, including using arithmetic formulas in spreadsheets and programming in computer languages, have seen an increase. Other skills, such as device installation, software search and installation, and creating electronic presentations, have also witnessed growth, indicating a higher level of digital proficiency.
1 June 2023
