By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Sept 14: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced that by 2025, Sarawak is expected to link internationally through 5G high speed connectivity via Hong Kong.
He said Sarawak government has rolled out its plan of building towers and boosters to increase the internet speed by building 300 towers this year and another 300 next year.
At the same time, fibre optic cables are being laid to enhance Sarawak’s communication infrastructure to prepare Sarawak to be a digitally-developed state.
“300 towers have been planned for this year and in 2020 (next year), another 300 (towers) will be built. Between 2020 to 2023, fibre optic will be in place and that means by 2025, I think all will be connected,” he told a press conference after officiating Centexs-SMA Safari 2019 (Petra Jaya) held at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) in Demak here today.
He was responding to a question from the media on when will Sarawak reach its target of full internet coverage, especially the rural areas.
“We will use 5G. We are now planning for 5G. With that fibre optic, then with the speed of 5G, we will link to international cable,” he elaborated.
Abang Johari pointed out that there are two ways Sarawak can link to international cable, either through private sector or through Brunei.
“Because Brunei can go direct to Hong Kong. From Hong Kong, we will be linked to the United States and Europe, because Hong Kong has the cable already,” he explained.
“We will by-pass Singapore. We will by-pass Johore (Mersing). We go direct to Hong Kong…meaning your communication will be faster,” he added.
Abang Johari said technology advancement especially digital development has caused a total change of the landscape in communication and in turn the dissemination and deliver of information.
He highlighted that it was up individuals to choose to continue to live as ‘homo sapiens’ (human) or to be a ‘homo deus’ (human who has accessibility to all conveniences brought about by digital and technological development).
The event also witnessed the launching of a new Sara X application created by a local company Gogo Sdn Bhd and Centexs Commercial Services.
It is a marketplace which offers various local services from engaging a runner, car wash, grass cutting to finding a hairdresser.— DayakDaily
