KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — 213 new telecommunication towers have been built out of the planned 864 towers under the National Digital Network (Jendela) in Sarawak as of this year’s second quarter (Q2).
Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said during the same period, 3,689 out of 3,735 transmitters have been upgraded, and 106,331 out of 207,135 premises have been provided with optical fibre access.
In addition, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has utilised satellite technology to expand Internet coverage, particularly in remote areas, with 523 locations now enjoying Internet services through Broadband Wireless Access (BWA).
“As of Q2 2023, the 4G coverage in populated areas in Sarawak has reached 87.52 per cent. The remaining initiatives are expected to be completed in stages by the end of 2025,” she said during the question and answer session in Dewan Rakyat today.
Teo was responding to a question by Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, who queried Jendela’s implementation in Sarawak and the project’s expected completion, including in the Igan parliamentary constituency.
For Igan, seven of the 14 new towers have been completed and operational, while all 50 transmitter stations have been fully upgraded.
Regarding fixed-line broadband services, she said 619 out of 2,791 planned premises have been equipped with optical fibre connections, and both of the planned BWA service locations are also operational.
Under the Jendela initiative, MCMC is working to provide internet services in areas lacking coverage using various technologies.
However, among the challenges the agency and service providers faced in expanding Internet coverage in rural areas were scattered populations with low population density, access via rivers, and areas without electricity for tower use.
The Point of Presence (PoP) Phase One project involved 60 projects across Sarawak, with two fully completed in the Igan parliamentary constituency.
“For Phase Two throughout Sarawak, the total project sites are 681; so far, six have been completed. The remaining projects are scheduled to be completed in stages by October 31, 2025.
“For the Igan parliamentary constituency, 16 projects have been listed, and the contractors believe they can complete several projects this year,” Teo said.
— Bernama
