FACEBOOK, Google, Microsoft and Amazon are seeking permission that foreign vessels be allowed to repair undersea cables in Malaysian waters, Reuters reports.
The tech giants sent a letter to the office of Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to discuss Malaysia's cabotage policy.
They sought the reinstatement of an exemption from cabotage rules revoked last year under the previous government, said Google.
The tech giants are being represented by Malaysia's national internet exchange body, malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX), which is taking the lead in engaging with the government.
MyIX Chairman Chiew Kok Hin said the situation would be different if the domestic industry was more developed, with several companies having the required cable repair capabilities.
'Where's the harm in allowing tech giants to continue using foreign vessels for repair works while facilitating the transfer of knowledge so the local industry can develop,' said Mr Chiew.
Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon.com did not immediately respond to queries on the letter. Nor did the Prime Minister's Office or the Transport Ministry.
SeaNews Turkey
The tech giants sent a letter to the office of Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to discuss Malaysia's cabotage policy.
They sought the reinstatement of an exemption from cabotage rules revoked last year under the previous government, said Google.
The tech giants are being represented by Malaysia's national internet exchange body, malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX), which is taking the lead in engaging with the government.
MyIX Chairman Chiew Kok Hin said the situation would be different if the domestic industry was more developed, with several companies having the required cable repair capabilities.
'Where's the harm in allowing tech giants to continue using foreign vessels for repair works while facilitating the transfer of knowledge so the local industry can develop,' said Mr Chiew.
Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon.com did not immediately respond to queries on the letter. Nor did the Prime Minister's Office or the Transport Ministry.
SeaNews Turkey
