1,300 residents of Long Busang now have Internet connection
BELAGA: A total of 1,300 residents from several longhouses in Long Busang near here can now enjoy Internet service via Wireless Fidelity (Wifi) infrastructure.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the infrastructure, which is at the trial stage, connects Long Busang to the outside world.
“If this test bed succeeds here (Long Busang) it means we are one level better than others.
“This will be adopted by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to see how digital telecommunication can be implemented in Sarawak’s remote rural areas,” he said when officiating at the launching ceremony of Wifi infrastructure in Long Busang yesterday.
According to Abang Johari, the trial stage was now being implemented in Long Busang in Belaga, and Long San in Baram.
In Long San, the Wifi infrastructure is installed at a secondary school to allow the students to use laptops to do their Mathematics and Science subjects.
“As this is in the trial stage, it is not yet confirmed if it can run well.
“Anyway, SMA will improve it if there is any weakness,” he said.
The Wifi service at Long Busang would involve Internet speed of between 30 and 50 megabit per second (mbps), he added.
The Wifi infrastructure is provided by SMA, Danawa Resources Sdn Bhd, HNM Nadhir Sdn Bhd and Reach10 Communication under their corporate social responsibility project.
Meanwhile, in a press statement, SMA general manager Dr Zaidi Razak said the infrastructure would provide telecommunication connectivity to the community in remote areas.
“The launch of the infrastructure by the chief minister in Long Busang proves that the government is serious about making Sarawak Digital Transformation a success, particularly for the rural communities.
“By leveraging on the Wifi infrastructure, Long Busang folk not only would be able to connect with everyone but also to promote their local products and culture to the rest of the country, and potentially to influence their economic growth,” he said.
At the same function later, Abang Johari presented cheques to Long Busang Borneo Evangelical Mission (SIB) Church and Darul Rahman mosque.
This will be adopted by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to see how digital telecommunication can be implemented in Sarawak’s remote rural areas. — Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister