SEMPORNA – Telecommunication facilities on populated islands as well as islands popular with tourists in Sabah should be upgraded as quickly as possible, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said this should be prioritised for the people’s convenience and to support tourism activities in the islands contributing to the country’s economic recovery and gross domestic product.
“For example, the nearest telecommunication tower can send a signal 11km to Pulau Sipadan, so I want to see a broadband service (internet) coverage on the island as soon as possible,” he said, adding that he wanted to ensure that all tourist and populated islands have telecommunications plan to provide 100% area connectivity.
He told this to reporters after visiting four security posts here today.
He said if the islands are not listed under phase two of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), a special project should be implemented to carry out telecommunication development works, which will be prioritised.
Annuar said the majority of the projects under phase two of the initiative, which will be implemented from next year until 2025, will involve Sabah and Sarawak.
“The total allocation of Jendela is approximately RM4 billion and phase two seeks to provide satellite broadband in about 1,400 locations too remote for fiberisation technology,” he said.
In another development, Annuar, who is also a member of the National Security Council, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is aware of the issues related to the Palau children in Sabah, adding that the matter will be discussed by the council.
He said non-governmental organisations have highlighted the issues plaguing the children who cannot attend school as they do not have citizenship documents, adding that this matter should be looked into for the sake of their future. – Bernama, September 9, 2022
