Julaihi: Sarawak in talks with MCMC to boost MySRBN using Jendela infrastructure
KUCHING (July 9): The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication is in ongoing discussions with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to expand the reach of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) service by tapping into the federal-led Jendela tower infrastructure.
Its Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the initiative aims to strengthen internet coverage in rural Sarawak by leveraging both state and federal telecommunication towers.
'In fact, at the moment, MySRBN is using the infrastructure provided by SMART towers. But we have also spoken to MCMC to allow MySRBN to utilise Jendela towers,' he told reporters when met at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
He explained that the locations for both SMART and Jendela towers do not overlap, presenting an opportunity to improve coverage by integrating both networks.
'Where there is a SMART tower, we don't place a Jendela tower. So we have different locations. To ensure better coverage, we are proposing that MySRBN not only use towers provided by SMART but also those under Jendela,' he said.
Julaihi noted that MCMC has responded positively to the proposal, describing the commission as an equal partner with a shared goal of expanding internet coverage in rural areas.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Julaihi reaffirmed the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas through investments in digital infrastructure and programmes like MySRBN.
'My ministry is directly involved in providing digital infrastructure that is very much needed, especially in rural areas, as part of our strategy to bring them into the mainstream of development,' he said.
He revealed that Sarawak has injected RM2.3 billion to complement federal efforts in improving connectivity, particularly through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
A total of 618 SMART towers are being constructed across the state under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) initiative.
'To date, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already active or 'on air', and 405 activated in stages using Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology,' he said.
The MOCN approach, he explained, enables multiple telecommunication providers — including CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL and TM — to share tower infrastructure, ensuring broader and more flexible network coverage.
Julaihi highlighted that MySRBN, introduced in March 2021, uses Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to previously unconnected rural communities.
As of now, 32,000 homes in Sarawak are connected to MySRBN.
'MySRBN stimulates economic growth in rural Sarawak. One of the impacts we've seen is the creation of new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to engage in online business,' he said.
He added that efforts are underway to promote the service more widely.
'We are still conducting extensive campaigns to expand MySRBN to all villages and longhouses in rural areas,' he said.
Julaihi said a recent MySRBN campaign in Pulau Bruit was well received, indicating strong demand for the service among rural communities.
'I believe rural residents, especially those involved in MSMEs, will be able to participate more actively in the future if such connectivity infrastructure can be implemented more comprehensively,' he said.
He reiterated that digital transformation depends not only on awareness but also on the physical infrastructure that enables participation.
'We are targeting around 7,000 towers across Sarawak to ensure full coverage by 2030. Right now, we've reached more than 5,000,' Julaihi said.
He affirmed that the state government remains committed to ensuring rural communities are not left behind in Sarawak's digital economy goals, as outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
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