Dr Jerip: S’wak govt looking into issue of towers, no discs in remote areas

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Dr Jerip speaks to reporters.

KUCHING (May 15): Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil has given the assurance that the issue of having towers but no reception discs in remote Sarawak will be resolved soon.

He noted that the issue is common in Sarawak and the state government is looking into it.

“So I think this will be resolved as soon as possible so that there will be willingness by various telecommunication companies (telcos) to put up their reception discs even in the remote areas.

“It’s all a question of commercial value where some telcos are not keen because if they put up one and there is no return for their investment,” he told reporters after a briefing on current issues at Padawan sub-district lobby here yesterday.

Dr Jerip revealed that more towers would still be built in Mambong very soon because contracts have been awarded to some companies. The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have identified the companies that will be building the towers in Mambong, he added.

He commended MCMC, which through Telecom Malaysia, had started to install fiber optic lines in many areas in Mambong that has even reached Kampung Anah Rais, allowing many villages to be connected with internet coverage using Unifi.

He advised that any kampung wanting to be connected with Unifi can apply to Telecom, according to the frequency they are willing to pay. He said they are now giving out forms to various kampungs and the villagers are encouraged to apply as groups.

“Applying in groups is a better way for Telecom to do their work on unifi connectivity.

“If only from this kampung and one from that kampung, it’s not cost effective. So we are now arranging with the sub-district office and community leaders to assist in giving out forms and apply for unifi,” he added.