SMK Baleh gets high-speed satellite communications

KAPIT: SMK Baleh in Bukit Mabong District has been installed with high-speed satellite communications for access to the internet.

It was a joint corporate social responsibility project between Integrated Access Communication, Konsortium Bumi Group of Companies, and Telbina Technology Sdn Bhd.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said the system is the first of its kind to be installed in Sarawak.

“With this high- speed satellite installed here, SMK Baleh students and teachers can have access to information at 10 Mbps (megabits per second), which is even faster than in Kapit which has only 5 Mbps!” he said at the school on Monday.

“So once they learn to gain access, they can surf for information in terms of education. It will be very, very good for students and the teachers who are teaching them.”

Masing also advised the school not to misuse the internet facilities provided.

“We hope to have better results as they have access to information now. They can be on par with students from the urban areas. At the moment SMK Baleh’s public examination results are not satisfactory. With this internet access, hopefully in the next two or three years, the results will improve,” he said.

Masing also announced a minor rural project grant of RM15,000 from his allocation and RM10,000 from Hulu Rajang Member of Parliament Datuk Wilson

With this high-speed satellite installed here, SMK Baleh students and teachers can have access to information at 10 Mbps (megabits per second), which is even faster than in Kapit which has only 5 Mbps!

Ugak Kumbong for educational activities.

He also witnessed the handing over of RM200,000 from the three companies to cover next year’s satellite rental to principal Lau Yuk Huck.

SMK Baleh is in a remote area only accessible by two hours’ boat ride.

Kapit Resident Joseph Belayong

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Deputy Chief Minister

Punan, Integrated Access Communication head of business development Radzib Ariff Telbina Technology Sdn Bhd, managing director Jerry Mason, Konsortium Bumi Group of Companies group managing director Janang Bungsu, Bukit Mabong District Office administrative officer Kelvin Ligong, and Education Department representative Joseph Silo were also present.

The road to Kampung Kiding that was damaged in a landslide a few weeks back.

Masing (third left) witnesses the symbolic handing over of the RM200,000 cheque. From left are Jerry, Janang, Belayong, Isnuni Johari from Integrated Access Communication, Lau, Kelvin, and Joseph.

Jerry (left) and Radzib pose with the satellite dish installed at SMK Baleh.