KUCHING: About 82 sites in Sarawak have been identified for the implementation of 5G network services soon, said Utilities and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julahi Narawi.
He said Kuching, Miri and Bintulu were included in the first phase of the project, with Sibu in the second phase.
“This is one of the efforts taken by the government to get everybody to work closely together rather than working in silo.
“This will ensure smooth implementation in our efforts to increase the roll out of 5G network services or to create extensive coverage in rural areas.”
Julaihi said this after witnessing the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and tripartite agreement between Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and strategic partners held at a leading hotel here today.
SDEC signed MoUs with four industry partners, namely, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Centre for Technology Excellence (CENTEXS), People Psyence Sdn Bhd and Ecotane Sdn Bhd.
The ceremony also witnessed a tripartite exchange agreement between SDEC, CENTEXS and Netafirm (Thailand) Co Ltd.
Julaihi described the MOUs as significant collaboration which allowed the integration of both parties in terms of telecommunications infrastructures and network services.
“We have the aspiration that this collaboration will enable every nook and corners of Sarawak to be fiberized and deploying new technologies like 5G and 6G becomes as easy as plug and play.
“I hope this kind of collaboration between SDEC and SEB can spur more collaborations among other utility providers in providing better services to the public.
“This will definitely transform the livelihood of our rural population in terms of education, access to medical consultation, exciting tourism industry and many more,” he added.
Julaihi also described the collaboration as vital for Sarawakians, especially those in the rural areas, as it enabled power to be supplied on the infrastructure that SDEC was currently working on.
“For instance, with the MySBRN (Sarawak Rural Broadbank Network) and SMART (Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Transformation) programme, we are hoping to penetrate rural areas and most places in Sarawak with fibre optics.
“I am pleased that with this collaboration, rural telecommunications can be expedited,” he said.
As Sarawak aspires to achieve digital economy by 2030, Julaihi said he was optimistic that the government would take a step forward in telecommunications and power services.
“Both services will further benefit in developing viable technology solutions, supporting better connectivity deployment seamlessly for all Sarawakians, whilst reducing the costs of projects deployments,” he said.
Among those present were SDEC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani, SDEC chief executive officer (CEO) Sudarnoto Osman, SEB group chief operating officer James Ung, CENTEXS CEO Syeed Mohd Hussien, People Psyence managing director Evelyn Chue and Ecotane Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Bolhassan Di.
