Telecommunications operators in Malaysia and Bangladesh are stepping up efforts to support emergency communications and disaster response, highlighting the growing role of digital infrastructure in humanitarian resilience.
In Malaysia, CelcomDigi has activated nationwide flood relief operations following earlier preparedness measures announced in October. Working with the Malaysian Relief Agency and the Malaysian Red Crescent, the operator has delivered essential aid and connectivity services to temporary relief centres, supporting more than 50,000 people affected by flooding. The company has deployed 60 charging stations and 80 Wi-Fi units across eight states, enabling families to stay connected and access vital information.
CelcomDigi’s 24/7 operations teams are also on standby to deploy power generators to base stations in flood-hit areas to minimise network disruptions. The operator has provided four-wheel-drive vehicles, rescue boats, and volunteers to assist evacuation and rescue efforts, and has activated an AI-enhanced flash-SMS broadcast system using postcode targeting. To date, more than 5.1 million alert messages have been sent to customers in flood-risk areas.
Alongside connectivity support, essential household and personal supplies are being distributed at relief centres, with employees contributing food and cooking essentials. Updated flood preparedness kits, including safety guidelines and practical checklists, are also being shared via social media and the CelcomDigi app. The company said it is coordinating closely with government agencies to ensure more effective and aligned relief efforts.
In Bangladesh, infrastructure provider Edotco Bangladesh has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response in climate-vulnerable communities. The partnership focuses on improving early warning dissemination, ensuring site readiness, and accelerating the restoration of critical communication services during emergencies.
Under the agreement, Edotco will support network continuity and power stability at key locations, while the Red Crescent will lead humanitarian outreach and community mobilisation. The collaboration also includes deploying solar-powered communication systems, supporting safe shelters, and conducting joint simulation drills and volunteer training to improve national preparedness and coordinated crisis response.
