CAMERON HIGHLANDS – The Communications and Multimedia Ministry is targeting 97% of areas nationwide to have 4G broadband network coverage by the end of 2022.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the government, through the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative, has allocated almost RM4 billion for infrastructure development so as to achieve the target.
According to him, the allocation involves the improvement of 4G coverage access in areas that are still getting 3G coverage, installation of fibre optics, and construction and upgrading of telecommunication towers nationwide, especially in rural areas and Orang Asli settlements, among others.
“All work order papers, through phase one of Jendela, will be issued and all projects must be completed by the end of 2022.
“We are working hard to realise this target. The ministry, in the spirit of the Malaysian Digital Family, will ensure the involvement of service providers or telecommunications companies and, thus, achieve its aspiration of internet access as a human right,” Annuar told reporters today.
He said this when met after meeting the leaders of the Orang Asli community, representatives of the Orang Asli Development Department and teachers from SK Telanok, which is located about 51km from Tanah Rata here.
It is part of his tour schedule in conjunction with the Kembara Connectivity programme involving Selangor, Pahang and Perak.
Also present were Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission chairman Dr Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek.
Meanwhile, Annuar said Pahang has been given priority under phase one of Jendela.
“This is because among all the states in the Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang, in terms of its percentage (in broadband access), is relatively low and (its target) by the end of next year is the same as for other states.
“As such, for the Cameron Highlands area alone, we are allocating a total of RM200 million for the upgrading of internet network and accessibility, especially in the Orang Asli settlement areas,” he said. – Bernama, October 10, 2021
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