KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is aware of the problems of Internet connectivity, especially in rural areas.
Hence, efforts are being made to address this in terms of digital infrastructure improvement.
Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said this issue was not new and the respective elected representatives had raised the matter repeatedly in the State Legislative Assembly and even on social media.
“The issue of poor Internet access and connectivity, especially in rural areas, is not something new.
“We have brought up the issue and this has ignited the response and immediate shift under the state leadership towards embarking into a new economic strategy – digital economy, that of course includes improving our digital infrastructure,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
He was asked to comment on a Facebook post by a student claiming to be from Kampung Stass, Bau who said it was not easy for him to fully commit to online classes, and he had to go to another village, Kampung Serasot, to get better connection to do his work.
In response to this, Henry said the state government had made great efforts to improve the digital facilities, and there were 10 new telecommunication towers set to be erected within Bau District.
“The government initiative and efforts have been implemented as proven by the erection of a tower in Bau.
“One tower has started and works are in progress. However due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the progress has been affected and the target to get all 10 towers completed in 2020 may experience delay,” he said.
He noted that rural teachers in the area had been voicing their disappointment all the time as poor connectivity was making it difficult for them to complete their tasks and reports.
“Hopefully we can see a complete erection of 10 towers by middle of 2021. When all the towers are completed, the Internet access will be improved, especially in rural areas, and more will benefit from it, not only the students but teachers as well,” said Henry.
