7,410 high-speed fibre optic broadband ports under PoP project ready for subscription in Sarawak

KUCHING: A total of 7,410 high-speed fibre optic broadband ports under the Ministry of Communications’ Point of Presence (PoP) project have been developed and are ready for use by residents in Sarawak, according to Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching.

She said that for Sarawak alone, 748 PoP sites were planned through two phases, with Phase 1 seeing RM84 million allocated to TM Technology Services and RM4.4 million to VC Telecoms Sdn. Bhd to develop 67 PoP sites.

“Under the PoP Phase 1 project, 60 PoP sites have been fully developed by TM Technology Services with 2,862 subscribers. Seven PoP sites were developed by VC Telecoms at industrial areas across Sarawak,” she said in her speech during a working visit to the PoP project site in Santubong near here today.

Teo said RM1.08 billion was allocated to Borneo Restu Sdn Bhd for the implementation of the PoP Phase 2 project which began in November 2022.

“Of the total 681 PoP sites planned in the Phase 2 project in Sarawak, 10 per cent or 69 PoP sites have been completed and the remaining 90 per cent are expected to be completed in the next two years or by October 2025,” she said.

Teo said that high-speed and stable fibre optic broadband infrastructure is capable of providing efficient digital access and offers opportunities for economic improvement in rural areas.

“The speed of the internet service provided will set a benchmark for the use of modern technology related to infrastructure and utilities, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Grid, Smart Water, energy, and others that can enhance the quality of life for the people,” she said.

The deputy minister said the PoP, which is a high-speed fibre optic broadband facility, is suitable for residential premises, government premises, and communities within a radius of 2.5 km.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Teo said that Malaysia aims to reach 80 per cent of 5G coverage in populated areas through the construction of 7,509 telecommunications towers.

“As of November this year, the 5G coverage in Malaysia is 76.1 per cent...we should be able to reach 80 per cent by January next year.

“In Sarawak, 356 5G towers have been completed. There are more that are yet to be completed, and with the cooperation and assistance from the Sarawak government, the remaining towers can be completed as soon as possible,” she added. -Bernama