FIVE new telecommunication towers under the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) initiative in the Dudong constituency are expected to be completed by early 2025.
Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang said two towers are already operational, while the remaining three are in various stages of implementation and are expected to be completed gradually.
Currently, 14 telco towers are operational along Jalan Naman and Jalan KJD to provide 4G service coverage to residents in the area.
“The 4G telco towers are situated at SMK Sibu Jaya, Rimbunan Hijau headquarters, Sibu Jaya public park, Sibu Jaya flat, Lorong Sibu Jaya, Jalan Salem, SK Ulu Sungai Naman, SK Ulu Sungai Sengan, Rumah Ledom Stabau, SK Sungai Menyan, Rumah Nanga, SK Assan Nunggang, Jalan Salim Stabau 3, Sg Ulu Menyan, and Kanowit junction,” he said in reply to questions from Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (GPS-Dudong) during the question-and-answer session today.
On the same note, Liwan said the Sarawak government has increased its funding to RM2.25 billion to expedite the expansion of telecommunication infrastructure and enhance internet coverage.
On top of that, he said 16 towers have been allocated under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) by the federal government, with 13 already operational and the remaining three slated for completion by year-end.
Liwan said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) conducts regular network audits, which include voice call quality assessments, across Sarawak, especially in Dudong, to ensure adherence to the Mandatory Standards.
“In 2023, seven network audits were carried out by MCMC around Jalan KJD, Taman Sentoria, Kiew Nang area, Jalan Lada, Jalan Mantis Selatan, Jalan Amber, and Sibu Jaya market.
“The next audit for Dudong will be conducted in the second half of this year, including in Jalan Naman,” he said.
