By DayakDaily Team
PAKAN, May 7: Despite the presence of telecommunication towers and related infrastructure in Pakan, internet coverage in the area remains weak and unstable, leaving rural communities at risk of being left behind in today’s rapidly evolving digital world.
In a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news yesterday (May 6), Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said efforts to improve connectivity, including the construction of telecommunication towers, have yet to deliver reliable internet access for residents.
“Physically, we can see that the towers and facilities are already in place, but in reality the connection is still unstable and coverage is not comprehensive,” he said after attending the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project opening ceremony at Rumah Jonathan Mingan.
He added that cable theft remains one of the factors affecting internet stability in the area.
Mawan said the prolonged issue has sparked dissatisfaction among residents as complaints have been repeatedly raised but remain unresolved.
“Movement, communication and the way we think today are largely dependent on the internet. Without this facility, it is difficult for rural communities to move forward,” he said.
He stressed that the growth of the digital economy has made reliable internet access increasingly essential, particularly for daily transactions and cashless payments.
However, limited connectivity continues to force some residents to rely on conventional transaction methods.
Mawan urged the relevant authorities to take immediate action to improve internet coverage in Pakan to support the area’s development and ensure rural communities are not left behind in the digital era. — DayakDaily
