Sarawak internet coverage rises to 94.5 pc after RM2.3b investment under Saluran

KUCHING, June 13 — Internet coverage across Sarawak has increased significantly to 94.5 per cent from 54.3 per cent in 2022 following a RM2.3 billion investment in telecommunications infrastructure under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) initiative.

Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the achievement marked a major milestone in Sarawak’s digital transformation efforts and reflected the success of close collaboration among various stakeholders.

“These achievements would not have been possible without strong collaboration among government agencies, regulators, telecommunication service providers, infrastructure partners, technology companies and industry stakeholders,” he said when speaking at the Sacofa Client Networking Hi-Tea 2026 held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).

Julaihi, who is also Sacofa Sdn Bhd chairman, said digital connectivity had been identified as a key enabler under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.

He highlighted the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Transformation (Smart Project as one of the key components of the Saluran initiative, involving the construction of 618 telecommunications towers, including 17 relay towers, in rural and remote areas throughout Sarawak.

The project complements the Federal Government’s National Digital Network (Jendela) programme, under which 636 telecommunications towers have been completed under Phase 1.

Another 337 sites have been identified for Phase 2 implementation beginning in the fourth quarter of this year, he said.

According to him, Saluran also encompasses service-based initiatives such as the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), which currently provides fixed wireless broadband and fibre connectivity to nearly 50,000 households.

In addition, WiFi Saluran has been deployed at about 250 rural locations to provide interim satellite internet access while permanent telecommunications infrastructure is being established.

He said Sacofa would continue to strengthen its role as the backbone of Sarawak’s digital infrastructure ecosystem, supported by approximately 12,000km of fibre-optic infrastructure and the management of 1,680 telecommunications towers statewide.

“Sarawak, through Sacofa, will continue to expand fibre optic infrastructure, enhance internet speed and improve connectivity coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” he said.

Looking ahead, Julaihi said Sarawak is broadening its technological ambitions beyond telecommunications, including plans to develop aerospace and satellite-related capabilities through the establishment of a dedicated space agency and the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council.

Among those present were Sacofa board members, telecommunications industry players, strategic partners, clients and other stakeholders. — The Borneo Post