Sarawak seeks RM6.3b federal funding for telco towers

KUCHING: Sarawak has called on the federal government to allocate funds to construct 1,800 telecommunication towers to improve internet coverage across the state, estimated to cost RM6.3 billion.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that telecommunications and internet infrastructure is essential to establishing Sarawak as a regional digital hub.

“Therefore, we are proposing the federal government consider funding for new technologies beyond cellular and satellite to expand broadband coverage in Sarawak.

“The plan also includes setting up high-speed optical fibre network linking Sarawak with neighbouring countries or states to facilitate the development of hyperscale data centres in Sarawak,” he said.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the Stakeholder Engagement Session for the 13th Malaysia Plan held at Pullman Hotel here yesterday (Oct 30).

Also present were Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and his deputy Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari urged the federal government to also consider constructing border roads and feeder routes as these projects would support national sovereignty while driving border region development.

“The Sarawak government has planned for border roads and feeder routes to connect Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex, security posts, and settlements along the border with major highways, including the Pan Borneo Highway, second trunk road, and coastal road.

“This spans approximately 1,487 kilometres, with an estimated cost of RM38 billion,” he said.

Furthermore, Abang Johari expressed hope that the federal government would allocate funds for infrastructure, logistics, technology, and innovation to support Sarawak’s green energy sector.

He said this would include grants and incentives to bolster research and innovation programmes in the green economy and to encourage financial institutions to support green bonds, low-interest loans, and sustainable investment programs.

He also called on the federal government to back Sarawak’s ambitions to become a regional logistics hub, as the state’s strategic location would strengthen its role in the global and Asean supply chains.

“This requires developing ports with modern infrastructure and technology meeting international standards, including deep-sea access and green practices, preparing Sarawak to serve as a regional hub for green fuels,” he said.

Additionally, Abang Johari requested federal support to cover the remaining RM500 million needed to develop rice granary areas (kawasan jelapang padi) in Lundu, Simunjan, Gedong, Sri Aman, Spaoh, Limbang, and Lawas, with the Sarawak government committing RM500 million to the project, the estimated total cost of which is RM1 billion.