SARAWAK has yet to establish its own telecommunication company, said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Government Communication Unit) Abdullah Saidol.
“The intention is there, but the planning has yet to begin. This is because the government is concerned about the high cost of establishing the state’s own telecommunication company,” he added.
“However, if there are any local individuals or party from the private sector who are interested of establishing a telecommunication company in the state, the state government is ready to assist the company.”
He said this in reply to a question from Datuk Murshid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya (GPS-Jemoreng) yesterday.
Elaborating on the matter, Abdullah revealed that the state government would continue to put focus on establishing digital infrastructure in the state.
“The state government has allocated RM795 million for the development of 300 telecommunication towers in the state, especially in the rural areas.
“To date, a total of RM283,505,776 has been awarded to seven local contractors through open tender to empower rural digital development.
“The project will only involve the construction of tower structure and is expected to end by next year,” he said.
Abdullah also assured that there are plans to construct additional telecommunication towers in Kabong, Ngemah, Telang Usan, Mulu, Machan and Sarikei.
“Currently, we are still in the process of identifying the locations, surveying and soil investigation works,” he said.
He also disclosed that there will be a dialogue session between the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and the elective representatives concerned.
“The dialogue will address all the details in the matters pertaining to the building of telecommunication towers in your respective areas.”
