The project to implement 300 telco towers, called SMA300, is in the implementation stage. Reuters File Photo
KUCHING: The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) will construct 300 telecommunication towers, mostly in the rural areas, under the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Abdullah Saidol the project called SMA300 is in the implementation stage.
He told the State Legislative Assembly this morning that three of the towers will be built in Ngemah constituency and expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year, and another 11 in Kabong constituency, among others.
“Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022, which covers digital infrastructure development the rural areas, and this is manifested with the implementation of SMA300 project where the government has allocated RM795 million,” he said in reply to questions raised by six assemblymen, who asked about the status of the telecommunication towers in their areas.
They are Alexander Vincent (Ngemah), Mohamad Chee Kadir (Kabong), Dennis Ngau (Telang Usan), Allen Siden Gramong (Machan), Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii (Repok) and Mohammad Razi Sitam (Saribas).
He added that the 300 telecommunication towers would have 3G and 4G networks.
Abdullah also told the august House that erecting telecommunication towers was not easy as land issues have to be addressed with landowners.
He said elected representatives can contact SMA to hold dialogues on the telecommunication towers in their area.