PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a RM2 billion allocation through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to enhance digital connectivity across Sabah, while also calling on the local media industry to establish its own minimum wage scheme to protect workers’ welfare.
The funds, announced under Budget 2026, will be used to expand internet coverage across the state, with priority given to public and private universities, colleges and government offices.
Anwar emphasised that although implementation would take time, the government remained committed to improving digital access for Sabahans, particularly in the areas of education and public administration.
“MCMC has set aside RM2 billion for this purpose. I have already announced it in the Budget. It will take a bit of time to complete,” he said during a breakfast and Sembang Santai session with Sabah media practitioners.
Sabah is also benefitting from the RM2 billion MADANI Submarine Cable Connection (SALAM) project announced in October, aimed at significantly strengthening the state’s digital infrastructure.
Under the National Digital Network (JENDELA), 4G coverage has risen to 96.81 per cent since 2022 compared with 73.41 per cent previously, providing improved connectivity to an additional 877,500 residents.
As of September, Sabah’s 5G Coverage of Populated Areas has reached 69 per cent through joint work with Digital Nasional Berhad and will be further expanded by U Mobile, which is targeting 80 per cent 5G coverage statewide.
Of the 703 communications towers planned under JENDELA, 608 are now operational, while 5,200 of 5,208 existing transmitter stations have been upgraded.
Additionally, 309,342 premises have been equipped with fibre-optic connectivity, and all 138 satellite broadband sites have been completed.
JENDELA 2, Batch 1, is expected to involve 150 additional sites at an estimated cost of RM120 million.
Media Industry Must Establish Its Own Minimum Wage Scheme
Separately, Anwar called upon the Malaysian media industry to introduce its own minimum salary framework, describing it as a necessary step to uphold the welfare of journalists and improve the standing of the profession.
He said he had received complaints from Sabah media practitioners who reported earning less than RM2,000 per month despite having worked in the field for a decade.
“On the matter of (a minimum) salary, I will discuss this further with (Datuk) Fahmi (Fadzil), who oversees communications. Hold a meeting with everyone, including media companies,” he said.
“I think it is reasonable. The media industry today is not what it used to be—not merely because of competition from social media—but I feel that if someone has worked for 10 years as a senior and is still earning that kind of salary, it is difficult.
“ I sympathise. I was shocked to hear that if it is true some have served for 10 years and earn below RM2,000, that to me is completely unacceptable.”
More than 80 media practitioners attended the event, including senior editors from major national outlets. Earlier, a representative from a Sabah media association shared that some part-time journalists were earning below the minimum salary threshold of RM1,700 per month.
Anwar said he had previously instructed government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to set a minimum salary of at least RM3,100.
“That is the message to the private sector, which we are currently considering. Because prices and the cost of living have gone up. I will look into this (media minimum wage), not only in Sabah but everywhere.
“I will ask Fahmi to send a report regarding media issues in this state. We will see what can be done. If we cannot provide that directly, perhaps we can offer certain incentives to media companies so they can use them to increase salaries and allowances,” he said. - November 16, 2025
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