Selangor Journal

KKD aims to have 2,000 DE Rantau hubs nationwide for digital nomads

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 — The number of DE Rantau hubs nationwide as a certified accommodation for digital nomads’ lifestyle through the DE Rantau programme is expected to reach over 2,000 by the end of this year, says Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching.

Since its launch in 2022, the programme now has 764 hubs, of which 278 are located in Langkawi, Penang (147) and Kuala Lumpur (339).

“We will continue to work with stakeholders to increase the number of hubs and the benefit of adding these locations to the list is for the digital nomads to search for a suitable living area,” she told reporters after launching DE Rantau@Kuala Lumpur at Komune Living, Bangsar South here, today.

Meanwhile, Teo said there are 2,400 online applications for DE Rantau Nomad Pass and the approval rate from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is currently at 53 per cent.

“We have a joint committee meeting together with Immigration Department to approve and review the application, making sure the passes are not abused or misused,” she added.

According to Teo, the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) will attract more foreigners to choose Malaysia as their digital hub through the programme as the country is listed in the top 15 locations for digital nomads out of 218 cities worldwide.

She also announced the programme will be expanded to Melaka this March and is expected to also include Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching later this year.

— Bernama

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