KUCHING: The rollout of the first stage of the National Digital Network Plan Phase 2 (Jendela 2) in Sarawak will cover 350 locations, with an allocation of RM545 million, says communications minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the programme would involve six clusters, with letters of acceptance (LOAs) already issued to the companies responsible for implementing the projects.
“Jendela 2 will begin once the companies involved sign the LOAs.
“Within the next few months, they are expected to start transporting equipment to the telecommunications tower construction sites. Implementation will begin almost immediately,” he said.
Fahmi said this to reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Sarawak government.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said Sarawak would have at least three submarine cable landing points under the Madani Submarine Cable (Salam) project.
He said Bintulu had been identified as a key landing location to support the development of Bintulu Port and surrounding areas.
“Overall, the Salam project will involve 10 cable landing points nationwide,” he said.
In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, the communications ministry said the Salam project, aimed at strengthening communications connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, was expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and be completed by the fourth quarter of 2029.
MCMC is currently evaluating submissions following the issuance of invitation documents for the project.
According to the ministry, Salam will involve developing a new high-capacity domestic submarine cable system with resilient infrastructure, diverse network routes and backup capabilities to strengthen the country's communications network.