GOVT TO ENSURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDER JENDELA GO SMOOTHLY

2 DEC 2020

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will see to it that development projects under the National Digital Network (Jendela) to expand 4G coverage and boost internet speed in Sabah are implemented smoothly, assure Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.

At the moment, digital telecommunication coverage in Sabah still lagged behind, with many places still in the ‘dark’ without internet reception, he said.

“Some (in Pitas) even have to climb up a tree just to get a clear internet reception and there was also the case in Kampung Gusi, Ranau where several students were injured after the (suspension) bridge where they gathered to get better line snapped.

“Therefore, Jendela is a very good initiative by the Federal Government through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) because Sabah is really in need of better connectivity,” he said.

Hajiji said this after being briefed on the programme by MCMC Chairman Dr Fadhullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek via video conferencing at the State Administrative Centre (PPNS) here on Wednesday.

Hajiji was told by Dr Fadhullah that Jendela would be implemented in two phases involving construction of 41 new telecommunication towers, upgrading of the 924 existing communication transmitters under the Universal Service Provision (USP) programme to 4G.

Another 35 new towers and 1,048 communication transmitters in existing towers would also be commercially upgraded by service providers to increase 4G coverage in the state.

A total of 190,115 premises in the state will also be provided with access to fibre optics.

According to Dr Fadhullah, the project would cost about RM2.5 billion in Sabah.

Hajiji said the MCMC should get in touch directly with his office should they encounter stumbling blocks disrupting the implementation process.

“We will take appropriate action because we do not want the efforts to be hampered,” he said.

The Chief Minister said all relevant agencies and local authorities would be notified to facilitate the initiative, particularly for the construction of the new communication transmitters.

Announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Aug 29 this year, Jendela, a five-year digital infrastructure plan, is an initiative under the 12th Malaysia Plan that aimed to meet the needs of digital connectivity and to prepare the nation for a gradual transition to 5G technology.

Also in the video conference were State Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Yakubah Khan and MCMC Sabah and Labuan chief, Izani Othman.