THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) have formalised a landmark collaboration under the SMART600 project, aiming to dramatically improve digital connectivity across rural Sarawak.
The agreement, signed today at MCMC’s headquarters in Cyberjaya by MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din and SDEC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ir. Sudarnoto Osman, underscores a shared commitment to bridging the rural-urban digital divide and transforming Sarawak’s digital landscape.
“The implementation of SMART600 demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to advancing inclusive digital initiatives, benefitting rural communities across Sarawak by supporting essential activities such as education, telehealth, digital economy and everyday communication,” the agencies said in a joint statement.
SMART600 targets the construction of 600 new communication towers across two phases—300 in each—providing high-quality 4G mobile services to over 1,000 remote locations. The rollout is expected to benefit approximately 180,000 residents in areas such as Belaga, Marudi, Sungai Belawai, Kapit and Sungai Encheremin.
To date, 587 towers have been completed, with 431 already activated using advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology, enabling shared infrastructure among up to five mobile network operators under MCMC’s oversight. The remaining towers will be activated in stages.
Beyond basic connectivity, the project will also enable high-speed internet access capable of supporting data-intensive applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), video streaming, public services and the Internet of Things (IoT). Sarawak’s rural residents will also benefit from the state-run Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), which operates alongside mobile networks on the shared MOCN infrastructure.
This integrated approach is backed by a co-funding model, with the Sarawak government, through SDEC, covering capital expenditure (CAPEX) for tower construction, while MCMC and participating mobile operators—CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and YTL Communications—are jointly responsible for operational expenditure (OPEX).
“This model ensures long-term sustainability of rural network operations, even in the face of geographical and economic challenges,” the statement noted.
The initiative is also aligned with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, aiming to promote digital economic activity and uplift the socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities.
Also present at the signing ceremony were SDEC Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, alongside senior officials from both MCMC and SDEC. - July 9, 2025
