KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani Submarine Cable Connection (Salam) is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and be completed by the fourth quarter of 2029, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had issued an invitation for the project and was evaluating it. The implementing party is expected to be appointed by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The project aims to strengthen communications connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
"It involves developing a high-capacity domestic submarine cable system with diverse network routes and backup capabilities to strengthen the resilience of the country's communications infrastructure," he said in a written parliamentary reply.
Meanwhile, Phase Two of the Jendela (National Digital Network) project is expected to begin in November, covering 1,000 sites nationwide, including 352 in Sabah.
Fahmi said internet coverage at the sites would be expanded through 4G cellular services, a combination of 4G and 5G, or satellite broadband, depending on local conditions and needs.
Kinabatangan accounts for the largest share of the 352 sites in Sabah, with 106, followed by Pensiangan with 55, Kota Marudu with 36, Kalabakan with 29 and Kudat with 26.
The remaining sites are in Tuaran (23), Penampang and Ranau (15 each), Sipitang (13), Kimanis (12), Sepanggar (six), Papar (five), Batu Sapi (four), Beaufort and Tawau (three each), and Putatan (one).
"The government, through MCMC, would continue to assess needs in other areas of Sabah, including Putatan, for possible expansion, subject to priorities and funding availability," he said.
The RM5 billion Jendela project aims to improve internet connectivity and bridge the digital divide, including in rural and remote areas and Orang Asli villages. It also targets connectivity along 7,000km of roads and highways and 1,700km of rail routes nationwide.
Fahmi was responding to a question from Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (BN-Putatan) on the status of Salam in Sabah and areas identified for Jendela Phase Two.
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