By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 7: The Sarawak government has boosted funding to accelerate the implementation of telecommunication infrastructure and improve Internet coverage in the region to RM2.25 billion from RM1.89 billion.
Deputy Minister of Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang stated that in efforts to enhance Internet coverage in Dudong constituency, five Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) towers have been deployed.
“Presently, two towers are operational, while three others are at various stages of implementation and expected to be completed progressively until first quarter of 2025.
“Additionally, the federal government has allocated 16 towers under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) through Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Of these, 13 towers are already completed and operational, while three are still in various stages of implementation until fourth quarter of 2024,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the august House today.
Liwan was responding to Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing’s inquiry about plans to increase the number of telco towers to address unreliable network coverage in Jalan Naman, Jalan KJD and surrounding villages in the Dudong constituency.
He mentioned that currently, 14 telco towers are operational along Jalan Naman and Jalan KJD to provide 4G services coverage to residents in the area.
The 4G telco towers are situated at SMK Sibu Jaya, Rimbunan Hijau headquarters, Sibu Jaya public park, Sibu Jaya flat, Lorong Sibu Jaya, Jalan Salem, SK Ulu Sungai Naman, SK Ulu Sungai Sengan, Rumah Ledom Stabau, SK Sungai Menyan, Rumah Nanga, SK Assan Nunggang, Jalan Salim Stabau 3, Sg Ulu Menyan and Kanowit junction.
Additionally, MCMC consistently undertake network audits, including voice call quality tests, periodically throughout Sarawak, including in Dudong area, to ensure compliance on Mandatory Standard.
“In 2023, seven network audits were carried out by MCMC around Jalan KJD, Taman Sentoria, Kiew Nang area, Jalan Lada, Jalan Mantis Selatan, Jalan Amber and Sibu Jaya market.
“The next audit for Dudong area will be conducted on the second half of this year including in Jalan Naman,” Liwan added. — DayakDaily
