RANAU – The village where eight school students fell from a suspension bridge while trying to connect to the internet for their online classes is now set to have broadband service latest by December 15.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joachim Gunsalam said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will install a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Technology) port to ensure internet is available at Kampung Gusi near here.
Joachim, who is assemblyman for Kundasang, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah had promised, when contacted by phone last week, to ensure that the service is made available soonest for the villagers.
Joachim who is also Sabah state minister for industrial development, also expressed appreciation for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s promise to prioritise Kampung Gusi as a recipient of three new telco towers under the National Digital Network (Jendela) plan.
“Rural Sabah is in need of huge internet coverage to ensure locals have access to the facility for learning as well as communication.
“Internet access is important now, especially for students and those studying in higher learning institutions who are doing their work online and need to stay at home due to the spread of Covid-19,” he said.
Last week, eight SMK Ulu Sugut secondary students were on the village bridge trying to study online when the structure’s cable snapped at about 9.30pm.
Three sustained serious injuries while trying to get connected to the internet. – The Vibes, December 7, 2020
