By Lian Cheng and Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Sept 11: Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi says the Ministry has made significant progress in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas by expanding internet coverage to isolated settlements including Belaga, Murum and Pulau Bruit.
He pointed out that areas previously unconnected such as Pulau Bruit and Sungai Asap (in Murum) has seen significant improvements within the past two to three years, marking steady progress in statewide coverage.
“Pulau Bruit at one time was not connected at all. Nowadays, if you go to Pulau Bruit, you can see the area is well connected,” said Julaihi during a press conference held after the Agreement Signing Ceremony between SACOFA and U Mobile on 5G mobile backhaul partnership held at SACOFA headquarters today.
With Sarawak now records 63.8 per cent 5G coverage compared to 90.2 per cent internet coverage overall, he said Sarawak is progressing towards its target of building 7,000 telecommunication towers by 2030 to enhance statewide connectivity with about 5,000 towers already in place.
Meanwhile, Utility and Telecommunications Deputy Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang who is also Belaga assemblyman testified to the Ministry’s success in providing internet access to his area, Belaga.
“Even for Long Busang, the farthest tip and nearest to the Indonesian border, there are two towers being erected and now operating. We have 5G in Belaga town,” said Liwan.
He said coverage has significantly improved compared to previous years citing Belaga and Long Busang as examples where residents now enjoy reliable 4G and 5G access. — DayakDaily
