RM2 bln for telecommunications development in Sabah since 2008
KOTA BELUD: Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak yesterday said that the government through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has spent over RM2 billion since 2008 for the development of telecommunications and broadband infrastructure in Sabah.
Recently, he said the government had also announced the implementation of the North Sabah Digital Corridor initiative involving a cost of RM100 million to strengthen the high-speed broadband infrastructure in the northern zone of Sabah.
“This initiative basically includes projects to upgrade communication infrastructure and coverage, development of safe and smart community, and application development for Kudat, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud and Tuaran areas.
“It also supports the Nationwide Fiberisation Plan that was announced in 2017. The fiber infrastructure is needed because it will provide speed to the internet to ensure Sabah is moving towards the digital era,” he said when opening the Kampung Tamau 1Malaysia Internet Centre, near here yesterday.
Salleh said it was undeniable that technology and the internet played a significant role in the development of the country.
“In Malaysia, we can see how the use of digital technology affects the economic and social changes by creating new sources of income, as well as helping to increase productivity, drive innovation and penetrate global markets.
“Hence, bringing internet to the people is a huge opportunity to raise income levels, stimulate entrepreneurship and reduce the gap that has previously been a barrier to innovation and development of new ventures,” he added.
Salleh said the community in Kota Belud should be proud that the district was chosen as a benchmark and a model of ICT-based development for other districts in Sabah, through the Smart Community Initiative implemented by MCMC.
“Overall, almost RM70 million has been spent by the government and the private sector in the implementation of first phase of the Smart Community Initiative in Kota Belud. Most of the expenditures were for the upgrading of infrastructure and the expansion of telecommunications coverage.
“Through the implementation of the second phase of Kota Belud Smart Community Initiative, an additional cost of more than RM20 million will be spent on the implementation of several new programmes, including the creation of a Smart Safety Solution system which involves the installation of smart closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, upgrading the Water Level and Safety Monitoring System (SAIFON), as well as improving access to fixed line and wireless services in Kota Belud,” he said.
Salleh said since the launch of the Smart Community Initiative in Kota Belud in 2016, many positive changes could be seen, including improvements in telecommunications infrastructure which had enable the residents to enjoy better broadband coverage, that is 90 percent 3G coverage and 100 percent 4G coverage in Kota Belud town area.
Meanwhile, the minister said a total of 849 1Malaysia Internet Centres were operating nationwide with 109 of them being in Sabah.
“In Kota Belud alone, there are six 1Malaysia Internet Centres, namely at Kampung Ambong, Kampung Tamu Darat, Kota Belud Library, Kampung Rampaian Laut, Kampung Suang Punggur and the latest in Kampung Tamau.
“With these internet centres, local residents can use online services to deal with government agencies, conduct banking transactions, shop, promote their products, learn something new, and so on, which will certainly ease their daily lives,” he said.