354 SMART telco towers activated across Sarawak, remaining to be operational by 2025

Liwan delivers the speech as he represents Julaihi at the launch of the 'Jelajah Saya Digital' (JSD) programme at a shopping mall in Kuching on Sept 7, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Sept 7: A total of 354 Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) towers have been successfully activated across Sarawak as part of a large-scale digital infrastructure initiative.

Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi stated that the remaining towers, part of the 600-tower SMART initiative, are on track to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.

“The Ministry is confident that the people will enjoy faster and broader Internet access, improving communication and digital connectivity, especially in remote areas, with the construction of these towers in phases,” he said in his text speech read out by Deputy Telecommunication Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang at the ‘Jelajah Saya Digital’ (JSD) programme’s launch today at a local shopping mall here.

Julaihi emphasised that the MUT Sarawak plays a vital role in ensuring the region continued progress through the provision of robust infrastructure and telecommunications services.

“‘Jelajah Saya Digital’ serves as an important platform to strengthen relationships between the federal and state governments, industries, and communities in driving digital transformation in Sarawak.

“Through this programme, I believe it can showcase achievements and devise new strategies to tackle future challenges in the digital era,” he said.

The Minister expressed confidence that strong collaboration among all parties can create new opportunities, enhance access to technology, and ensure that every individual in Sarawak benefits from digital advancements.

“This is in line with the pillars of the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which focuses on Economic Prosperity, Social Inclusion, and Environmental Sustainability, and particularly the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.

“This includes the implementation of intervention programmes under the Saluran initiative (including SMART), with an allocation of RM2.25 billion,” he added.

In addition to the tower construction, Julaihi noted that 44 Digital Community Centres (DCC) and 133 National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) have been established across Sarawak.

These centres provide communities with tools and resources to engage with the digital economy, supporting local businesses, innovators, and startups.

He also announced that Sarawak will host the 7th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) from Oct 16-17 this year, themed ‘AI for Sustainable Development: Navigating the Green and Circular Future’.

“IDECS 2024 will serve as a platform where global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders gather to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable development,” he added. — DayakDaily