RM185 mil SACOFA Network Modernisation to boost capacity from 1.6 to 7.2 Tbps

Julaihi delivering his ministerial winding up speech at Sarawak Legislative Assembly on May 18, 2026.

By Lian Cheng

KUCHING, May 18: The RM185 million SACOFA Network Modernisation project will increase network capacity within the network coverage areas from 1.6 terabits per second (Tbps) to 7.2 terabits per second (Tbps).

Minister of Utility and Communication Dato Sri Julaihi Norwawi said SACOFA is actively implementing the project which began in November 2025 and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027.

He said the project, costing RM185 million, is a strategic effort to enhance the speed, capacity, and stability of the telecommunications network.

The implementation of this initiative began in Kuching in line with its position as the main integration hub, he said. This effort is being carried out progressively throughout Sarawak to ensure more comprehensive implementation.

“To date, the project status has achieved 17 per cent progress. Through this initiative, network capacity can be increased from 1.6 terabits per second (Tbps) to 7.2 terabits per second (Tbps).

“The speed at each site can be upgraded from 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), thereby improving reliability and reducing network congestion,” said Julaihi when delivering his ministerial winding up speech at Sarawak Legislative Assembly here today.

He said thus far, SACOFA has laid down 12,000 km of fibre optic network and maintains 1,680 telecommunications towers throughout Sarawak.

The Sarawak Government, through SACOFA, he added, will continue to play a more active role in strengthening Sarawak’s digital infrastructure by expanding the fibre optic network and improving internet speed and coverage, especially in rural areas.

“This initiative will be implemented by strengthening SACOFA as the backbone of digital infrastructure in Sarawak in order to reduce dependence on commercial telecommunications service providers,” said Julaihi.

Through this effort, Sarawak hopes to improve the quality and efficiency of internet connectivity to support the sustainable and inclusive development of Sarawak’s digital economy.

Apart from Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC), SACOFA is another telecommunications agency owned by the Sarawak Government that plays an important role in digital transformation.

“The Sarawak Government has now taken over SACOFA and is the majority shareholder with a stake of 52.56 per cent,” said Julaihi who is also Sebuyau assemblyman (GPS-PBB). —DayakDaily