Deputy Minister Teo Nie Chin announced that the Ministry of Communications and Digital will actively expand the installation of Starlink satellite devices in Sabah and Sarawak, with a particular focus on rural areas. Teo disclosed that two of these devices have been recently deployed in Bau and Julau, Sarawak, this month.
Teo stated that a total of seven Starlink devices have now been installed, including locations in Johor, Perak, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan. She stated that the ministry is currently in the process of identifying suitable locations in Sabah for the installation of the remaining three satellite devices, according to Malay Mail.
The deputy minister explained that the decision to deploy these devices in Sabah and Sarawak stems from the difficulty of installing fibre optic and other cables, particularly in remote interior regions and she emphasised that this installation is a temporary solution.
Teo highlighted that the costs of both device installation and monthly payments will be covered by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for one year.
Currently, a single high-spec Starlink device costs RM11,613, offering coverage within approximately 100 meters and internet speeds ranging from 40Mbps to 220Mbps.
She also revealed that ten units of these devices will serve as a proof of concept to assess their feasibility before further expansion is considered.
