KUCHING: A total of 19 telecommunication towers have been repaired across Sarawak in the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)’s effort to increase cellular services, especially in rural areas.
In a statement yesterday, MCMC said the towers that had been repaired are at Nanga Ibau, Lepong Baleh, Pelajau, Nanga Mujung, Ulu Yong, Nanga Serian, Nanga Sut and Nanga Yong in Kapit; Kpg Binjai, Belimbing, Nanga Medamit and Ulu Pandaruan in Limbang; Uma Lahanan, Uma Baloi Liko and Bakun Road, Sungai Asap intersection in Belaga; Kpg Long Sebangang, Kuala Briwan and Ulu Merapok in Lawas and Rh Jarau in Song.
At the same time, a total of 163 wifi coverage areas under the community wifi initiative (previously Kampung Tanpa Wayar) are also fully functional.
They are in Kuching (57), Serian (26) , Sri Aman (20), Asa Jaya (16), Limbang (11), Samarahan(nine), Bintulu (nine), Lundu (five), Lubok Antu (three), Simunjan (three) and Tatau (one).
Upgrading works to increase cellular services quality in rural areas will be continued and are expected to be completed according to schedule despite delays due to flood and vandalism, said the statement.
The statement was probably a response to the recent call by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for improved and enhanced communication services in rural areas of Sarawak to help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
Adenan, at the celebration of ‘A Decade of Sarawak Information Systems (Sains) Community Out-reach Initiatives’ on January 15, appealed to MCMC to pay due attention to the needs of rural Sarawakians rather than just putting up infrastructure which did not function.
“In some rural parts of Sarawak, some broadband network infrastructure or communication towers are there but they offer no communication services to our rural folks,” he was quoted as saying.