Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the National Digital Network (JENDELA) project has allocated the highest amount of RM4.46 billion to Sarawak to enhance its connectivity and internet services.
Of the total allocation, RM2.93 billion comes from government funds, while service providers contribute the remaining RM1.53 billion, according to a news report by Bernama.
The JENDELA project comprises two phases, both aimed at improving connectivity coverage and internet service quality, benefiting the general public, the business sector, and various stakeholders.
In Phase 1 of JENDELA, Sarawak plans to establish a total of 864 4G telecommunication towers. As of the second quarter of 2023, 213 of these towers are operational, with the remaining 651 towers scheduled to become operational gradually by the third quarter of 2024.
The Sarawak government is actively supporting the construction and upgrading of these JENDELA towers to upgrade 3,689 out of the 3,735 existing transmitter stations by the fourth quarter of 2023, with the remaining stations scheduled for upgrades.
Regarding MCMC’s goal of expanding high-speed broadband services to 207,135 residential and business premises using fibre optics, Fahmi noted that 106,331 premises have already been equipped with optical fibre, with the remaining 100,804 premises expected to be covered by the fourth quarter of 2024.
Fahmi emphasised that the positive impact of the JENDELA project is already evident in Sarawak, with 87.52% 4G coverage achieved in populated areas as of the second quarter of 2023. Additionally, 322 out of the planned 587 5G sites in the state have been successfully completed.
The federal government, facilitated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is responsible for implementing this project.
