By News Editor
KOTA KINABALU: Over RM2.4bil has been allocated to improve communication infrastructure in Sabah under the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Prime Minister said Sabah would enjoy wider broadband coverage by 2022.
“A total of 419 new communication towers will be built and 1,972 existing towers will be upgraded to support 4G capabilities.
“Additionally, fibre optic connection will be expanded to cover 251,166 premises throughout the state,” he said at the launch of Gerbang Sabah (Sabah Gateway) here Thursday (Sept 17).
Muhyiddin said the initiative would also include training programmes to guide the people to effectively use digital technology to generate income.
“Anyone can run a business from anywhere with an Internet connection. In fact, you can even start a business without having your own inventory through drop ship.
“This is the kind of potential that broadband connectivity can offer,” he said.
He added that RM13mil has also been set aside to refurbish Community Internet Centres to enable it to present new job opportunities through e-commerce.
Muhyiddin said the Sistem Kabel Rakyat Malaysia (SKRM)’s capacity in Tg Aru will also be upgraded from 4Tbps (terrabits per second) to 7.3Tbps.
He added that Telekom Malaysia will further upgrade the system to 12.8Tbps within the next four years.
“This will involve an additional RM100mil allocation on top of the initial RM575.5mil investment put down by both TM and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
“The upgrade is crucial to support the increased Internet usage in Sabah and support Jendela’s aspirations of narrowing the digital gap,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said the government and service providers will further cooperate in coming up with special broadband packages for the youths.
“The details of these packages will be announced by service providers in the nearest time.
“They will offer services at low cost and more attractive terms to assist the younger generation in their studies and communication needs during the new norm,” said Muhyiddin, adding that the government was aware the youth group being the most active broadband users.–The Star
