All 636 JENDELA Phase 1 communications towers in Sarawak are fully operational as of April 30, enhancing services for residents.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Communications said that all 636 communications towers under Phase 1 of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) plan in Sarawak have been fully activated and operational as of April 30, enhancing communication services for residents in the state.
The ministry said the Baram parliamentary constituency recorded the highest number of activated towers under JENDELA Phase 1 with 109 towers, followed by Hulu Rajang (59), Julau (46), Kapit (44), and Selangau (40).
In a written reply published on the Parliament portal, the ministry said delays in activating some communications towers were due to limited site access caused by damaged roads and adverse weather, as well as the need to obtain landowner permits. These issues have now been resolved.
The ministry also said that additional delays were due to the use of alternative transport, including boats, for equipment delivery, securing right-of-way approvals for fibre-optic backhaul connections, and installing power supply infrastructure in locations far from the electricity grid.
The Ministry of Communications was replying to a question from Datuk Anyi Ngau (GPS-Baram) regarding the number of telecommunication towers under the JENDELA project that were physically completed but remained inactive in rural areas up to June, as well as the reasons for the delays in activation.
In addition to the JENDELA project, the ministry said Sarawak is also implementing the SMART600 initiative to expand communication service coverage across the state. All 600 communication towers under this initiative have been completed and are now operational, including 29 towers in the Baram parliamentary constituency.
“The Ministry of Communications and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) remain committed to further strengthening the provision of communication and internet services in Sarawak, including in the Baram parliamentary constituency, to ensure the people enjoy extensive coverage and quality services.
“This effort is being carried out through strategic cooperation with the Sarawak state government, specifically the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, the Sarawak Land and Survey Department, and the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), to ensure that every initiative can be implemented smoothly, effectively, and provide optimum benefits to the people,” the ministry said.
