KUCHING: The speed of internet must be in 5G standard and in real time for the state government to react to the data collected in reducing risks during disaster.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said when data travels, it must be in real speed and real time; therefor, instead of upgrading to 4G speed, the state needs to leapfrog to 5G.
“Of course, it will cost us money but we must find money to increase the speed, otherwise this thing won’t work.
“It has to be real time, and you can only react when you got the correct data, otherwise the action for you to reduce risk will be one hour or three hours late. And whatever action you do, or put in place, it is not suitable with the situation that has changed,” he said during the launch of TRANSCEND Sarawak and Resilient4wrd Living Lab 2022 at Tegas Digital Village, here yesterday (Sept 9).
He said Resilient4wrd Living Lab 2022 will identify certain weaknesses in the system, how to manage the weaknesses and strengthen the way the state government can operate and engage during disasters and in time of crisis time.
Meanwhile, he said Sarawak is still facing problems in terms of internet connectivity.
“That is why we have spent a lot of money because the size of Sarawak is huge to cover and the signal may not reach your point of target, because of tethering issues, in other words we have to spend lots of money.
“So far, the government has prepared about RM3 billion to upgrade internet infrastructure apart from the assistance given by the federal government. But Sarawak cannot rely on th federal government alone as other states also want the money.
“It’s so difficult for the federal government but we can understand. What we need to do on our part is to get as much revenue as possible, and plough back into infrastructure development,” he told.
Later at a press conference after the launching, Abang Johari said that the state government is collaborating with the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), to developed infrastructure, including the 5G speed for real time data.
“We are in the process of upgrading our internet infrastructure,” he said.
