Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said the projects, estimated to cost RM2.5 billion, were to expand 4G coverage and boost internet speed in Sabah.
At the moment, digital telecommunication coverage in Sabah is still way behind other states with many places still in the “dark” without internet reception, he said.
Sabah was in the news in June when university student Veveonah Mosibin posted on her YouTube channel that she had to climb a tree in her remote village and spend hours there to sit for her exams.
Referring to the event, Hajiji said: “Some (in Pitas) even had to climb up a tree just to get a clear reception and there was also the case in Kampung Gusi, Ranau where several students were injured after the (suspension) bridge, where they gathered to get better reception, snapped.”
“Therefore, Jendela is a very good initiative by the federal government through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Sabah is really in need of better connectivity.”
Hajiji issued his statement after being briefed on the programme by MCMC chairman Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek via video conferencing at the state administrative centre (PPNS) here.
Fadhlullah had told the chief minister that Jendela would be implemented in two phases, involving construction of 41 new telecommunication towers; and upgrading of the 924 existing communication transmitters under the Universal Service Provision programme to 4G.
Another 35 new towers and 1,048 communication transmitters in existing towers would also be commercially upgraded by service providers to increase 4G coverage in the state. A total of 190,115 premises in the state will also be provided with access to fibre optics.
Hajiji said the MCMC should get in touch directly with his office should they encounter stumbling blocks in the implementation process. “We will take appropriate action because we do not want the efforts to be hampered,” he said.
The chief minister said all relevant agencies and local authorities would be notified to facilitate the initiative, particularly for the construction of the new communication transmitters.
Announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Aug 29, Jendela, a five-year digital infrastructure plan, is an initiative under the 12th Malaysia Plan to improve digital connectivity and prepare the nation for a gradual transition to 5G technology.