Premier: Sarawak to cut telco dependence, elevate SACOFA as digital backbone

1 hour ago 5

ADVERTISE HERE

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 15: Sarawak is set to reduce reliance on commercial telecom operators and strengthen its own State-linked infrastructure, with SACOFA positioned as the central backbone for connectivity expansion across the State.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said major national telcos such as Digi Telecommunications and Maxis face structural limitations in expanding coverage, particularly in rural areas, due to high infrastructure costs and limited commercial returns.

“This morning I have instructed that we improve our connectivity through SACOFA. SACOFA will become the backbone of our connectivity, particularly in rural areas,” he told reporters during the walkabout and live-run Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) distribution in Siburan today.

He added that the Sarawak government will work with SACOFA to expand fibre optic infrastructure, noting that commercial telcos face limitations.

“Digi and Maxis are commercial entities. They have certain constraints because the market is very small but the cost of infrastructure is quite high. So we cannot rely on them now,” he said.

“Instead, we use SACOFA as the backbone because it is government-majority owned. The cost of infrastructure will be undertaken by the government through SACOFA. So we hope it will increase the speed of connectivity,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the Premier also said Sarawak is exploring satellite-based connectivity, including nano satellite development and low earth orbit technologies, as part of its long-term digital economy strategy.

“Eventually, when we launch our own satellite… you don’t rely on fibre optic anymore. You rely on cloud,” he said.

He added that sovereign data storage and cloud capability would be essential for future digital growth.

“My target is 2030. So we don’t have to be tired of using fibre optic anymore,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article