2 hours ago
3
ADVERTISE HERE
MELAKA: Phase Two of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA 2) will focus, among other areas, on 2,000 locations in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak, using various advanced technological solutions to expand internet access according to local conditions.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said JENDELA 2 would cover 3,000 locations in total, with populations ranging from 20 to 30 people to between 200 and 300 people, requiring different approaches to ensure internet access could be provided.
“For Phase One, one-third of the locations were in Peninsular Malaysia, one-third in Sabah and one-third in Sarawak, so we are fair in our approach. In the second phase, many of the locations are in the interior of Sarawak and Sabah, although there are also several locations in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
He said this when met after officiating at the MADANI Kita Programme (PMK) 2026 with the Paya Rumput@Tangga Batu community at the Krubong People’s Housing Project (PPR) here today (Oct 10).
The programme was organised by the Community Communications Department (J-KOM) in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU), as a strategic partner.
Also present were Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim, J-KOM director-general Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali and Prime Minister’s Political Secretary Datuk Azman Abidin.
Fahmi said about one-third of all locations under JENDELA 2 would involve the construction of telecommunications towers, while the remaining locations would use solutions suited to local conditions.
He said Starlink satellite technology was among the options for areas with low population density and challenging terrain and vegetation cover.
The latest Starlink technology, which is smaller, portable and more energy-efficient, could also help provide internet access in areas where coverage was difficult to establish.
“We will make use of technologies such as Starlink to help ensure internet access is available, including in Orang Asli villages,” he said.
When tabling Budget 2027 yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM5 billion investment to strengthen internet connectivity nationwide through JENDELA 2, including extending 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages next year.
Fahmi said more than 30 PMK programmes would be held nationwide to expand public access to information on government initiatives, including the benefits of Budget 2027.
“I have asked the MADANI Monitoring Unit to incorporate information on Budget 2027 into these programmes to ensure that the benefits announced by the Prime Minister are known and understood by the public,” he said.
More than 3,000 people visited the programme to obtain information on services, initiatives and benefits offered by 35 ministries, departments and agencies, as well as strategic partners.
The programme, which began at 8 am, also offered Rahmah Sales, Agro MADANI Sales, free health screenings, MyDigital ID registration, unclaimed money checks and free haircuts. — BERNAMA
English (US) ·