KUCHING: Community leaders and village chiefs must raise the question of poor telecommunications coverage with their respective assemblyman besides the authorities.
Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) General Manager Ts. Dr. Zaidi Razak who gave the advice said with the data, they may carry out inquiries and justify to the federal government the need for additional funds to meet Sarawak’s telecommunication needs.
He stated this in a press release on yesterday (Feb 18) after SMA convened a Telecommunication Development Briefing with Bekenu and Lambir assemblymen Datuk Rosey Yunus and Dr Ripin Lamat and the local community leaders.
“Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state, and its topography has made telecommunications difficult. Hence, they should tell their assemblyman and authorities if they lack coverage.
“SMA and SDEC are building 11 communications towers in the Bekenu and Lambir constituencies for the Sarawak government. JENDELA is the federal government’s 17-tower project with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“SMA is actively overseeing all the communications development projects in both constituencies and Sarawak … we are doing our best to ensure Sarawakians have stable and dependable connectivity,” he said.
He explained that the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (SALURAN) initiative prioritises digital infrastructure to improve Sarawak’s digital economy and expands 4G coverage to rural and semi-urban areas so people may participate in the digital economy, which includes education, e-commerce and finance.
He said the Sarawak government needs local assemblymen and community leaders to justify and request more federal funds for telecommunications.
Datuk Rosey and Dr Ripin also requested that authorities, implementing agencies, and service providers expedite the telecommunication projects to benefit rural residents from the state’s digital transformation.
Pemanca Isut Karin, interviewed after the briefing, said internet connectivity will allow people to participate in the digital economy.
“With expanded internet access, we can sell local products online in the digital market, which will boost our community’s economy,” he said.
Isut thanked the Sarawak government, SMA, SDEC and MCMC for enhancing internet access in Miri and Sarawak.
The authority frequently updates assemblymen and local community leaders on Sarawak’s telecommunications progress and requests their comments.
The briefing included State Director of MCMC Adiman Ajem, SDEC, Miri Resident Office, District Office Bekenu, Lambir, Subis, and local community leaders.
