Comprehensive connectivity at home and ‘gateways’ to world markets
KUCHING: The state government is looking at a global picture as it pushes on with its Internet connectivity policy.
The state’s bid to upgrade to 5G-network technology comprehensively addresses connectivity issues throughout the state and beyond.
The possibility, according to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, includes creating major gateways that enable the state to connect with the international cable link system.
“We want the people to enjoy 5G-network technology, yes, but more than that we want to be connected to the global world, and for that to happen this is one area the state will focus on under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP),” said the chief minister during the launch of the first Borneo International Drone and Robotics Explore (Drobotex) 2019 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
“In these five years of the 12MP, the Sarawak government, through Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and other related agencies, will invest to upgrade the Internet connectivity to 5G.
“With 5G, the possibility of building big gateways to connect the state with the international cable link system is high,” he explained.
He said the state government is looking at making Miri as its first “gateway to the global world”.
“For this we are working with DST International of Brunei. And from Brunei, it can connect to Hong Kong, the United States, Europe, and other Asian countries.
“Another gateway will be in Kuching where it will be linked to Lawas and to the Borneo cable link,” he said.
He pointed out that once the international cable link connections are in place, the state’s e-wallet system will facilitate trading of Sarawak’s products in the world market.
“This is our target in the 12MP from 2021 to 2025. The Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) must be allowed to continue to rule the state so that we can carry this out as planned.
“Otherwise you cannot. As far as technology is concerned, it has been acknowledged that Sarawak is quite advanced under the GPS government.
“As the chief minister, I will give emphasis to technology and to increasing the income of the people of Sarawak. I will continue to strengthen our economy as well,” he said.
