Currently, existing telecommunications infrastructure and facilities in Sarawak cannot accommodate 5G usage. File Photo
KUCHING: Sarawak expects to have a 5G fifth generation cellular network up and running by 2025.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government would strive to achieve the high speed connectivity under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021 to 2025).
He lamented that existing telecommunications infrastructure and facilities in Sarawak could not accommodate 5G usage.
“I will continue to improve the internet speed throughout the state and hopefully in five years’ time, under the 12th Malaysia Plan, we will also invest through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and other relevant agencies to upgrade our internet real time to 5G.
“Eventually, Sarawak will also have an international cable link that is fast. With big international gateways – one in Miri and one in Kuching – we can link directly to Hong Kong; and from Hong Kong to the United States and also to Europe as well as Asia,” he said at the launch of the inaugural Borneo International Drone and Robotic Explore (Drobotex) here yesterday.
Abang Johari said for the gateway in Miri there would be collaboration with Brunei DST.
He said the Sarawak government would also have to lay underground cables between Kuching and Lawas, explaining it may require connecting to the Borneo grid cable with the hope of speeding up access, which is very important because Sarawak wants to sell its products to the world.
“For example, if we sell our products in Hong Kong, immediately transactions can be made, maybe through Sarawak Pay, which can manage the transaction in our economy. This is our target in the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said.
“This of course needs a lot of investment, but I think we have set aside some of our funds because it takes phases to provide the infrastructure.”