Malaysia’s internet traffic, which is continuing to increase rapidly, has hit a new high of 170 Gbps, according to the Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX), an initiative under the national regulator MCMC (Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission).

The findings were based on Internet data patterns recorded (up to August 2016) for Internet data that transversed (or ‘peered’) over the National Internet Exchange nodes, said MyIX Chairman, Chiew Kok Hin.

“The measurement is based on the highest peak internet traffic recorded on a particular day on a monthly basis,” said Chiew.

For August 2016, Internet data exchanged that ‘peered’ over the National Internet Exchange nodes reached a new high point of 170.474 Gbps – the highest ever recorded in the country’s history.

This latest figure reflects a year-on-year growth of 57 percent and Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 56.60 percent since 2012, he said.

“Throughout 2016, peak points for each month have exceeded the 100Gbps mark,” said Chiew. “This is not surprising given Malaysia’s current Internet landscape, which is driven by improved data plans, mobile Internet, video content, Cloud computing and not forgetting more companies agreeing to peer with MyIX. In 2016, we had five more companies joining the peering network.”

OTT content – a game-changer

Chiew also said that as well as increased connectivity, the availability of more video – i.e. OTT content has “been a game-changer for Malaysia.

“It’s not just about supplying data packages, there needs to be content as well and content is growing,” he said. “The growing availability and appeal of OTT players – such as Netflix, iFlix and online TV and radio channels – are certainly contributing to the exponential growth in internet traffic. These will continue to fuel the rise for the rest of 2016 and beyond.”

Chiew said MyIX also expected soon-to-be completed 1Malaysia People’s Cable System (SKR1M) in June 2017 will improve broadband capacity and contribute to more affordable and accessible high-speed broadband connectivity in Malaysia.

On a separate note, he said that MyIX will mark its 10th anniversary with a one-day Peering Forum, which will focus on the internet eco-system, its players, and best practices & policies.

“The Forum is an initiative by MyIX to active drive the development of the Internet eco-system for the country and to promote peering among players,” Chiew said. “Peering helps keep traffic local – reducing the lag between connections while decreasing the inter-country connectivity costs. We encourage new peering partners to join MyIX to ensure a better Internet experience for the nation’s benefit.”

The Forum will be followed by a three-day workshop (October 11-13) on Network Security conducted by the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC). APNIC is a not-for-profit regional Internet registry for the Asia Pacific region.

Modelled after the Amsterdam Internet Exchange and London Internet Exchange, MyIX (also known as ‘Persatuan Pengendali Internet Malaysia’) was established in 2006 with the cooperation of local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to connect and exchange local Internet traffic.

MyIX’s infrastructure consists of 7 Internet Exchange nodes of which 5 were in Bayan Baru, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. These add on to the MyIX nodes located in the Klang Valley at Menara Aik Hua (AIMS), and CSF 1 (Telekom Malaysia, Cyberjaya).