BAU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has set up a Starlink satellite dish in Kampung Puak here to address internet connectivity problems in the area.
During a press conference held after his visit to the satellite installation and the Community Day event at Krokong Community Hall in Saturday (Sept 16), Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil pointed out that it was clear that Kampung Puak had been facing consistent internet problems, despite the presence of communication towers.
“Technical problems have prevented these towers from becoming operational, and I’ve been informed that it will be nine months before the telecommunications companies can begin their operations in the area.
“Meanwhile, MCMC has employed Starlink satellite dishes to deliver internet connectivity to the Puak village residents.
“Earlier today, during my visit to the community hall, I observed that Starlink was delivering speeds of up to 200 Mbps, even with 55 devices concurrently accessing the internet. This impressive speed consistency occurred within a coverage range of approximately 100 metres,” Fahmi said.
He said residents have expressed interest in expanding this coverage range.
In response, he assured that they will undertake an investigation, akin to the approach adopted by MCMC in the Orang Asli village of Hulu Kemensah in Kuala Lumpur.
This, he added, serves as a proof of concept for utilising extenders or broadening the internet coverage scope in the area. Concurrently, they are exploring the possibility of delivering immediate internet access to that locality.
In a similar development he suggested that the internet service company, Starlink, consider opening a customer service office in Sarawak, stating that he will reach out to the company to explore the possibility of establishing their office in Kuching.
He explained that this comes in response to the high demand for installing their internet devices in the state.
“So, we will request them to consider it. Whether they choose to open it or not, that’s up to them. But we will convey it to Starlink,” he said.
Also present were the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital, Teo Nie Ching, the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, the Chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, the Deputy Minister of Utilities and Communications, Datuk Liwan Lagang, the MP for Puncak Borneo, Datuk Willie Mongin, the MP for Mas Gading, Mordi Bimol, the state assemblyman for Serumbu, Miro Simuh, and the District Officer of Bau, Constantine Gerald David Jonas.
