KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) has partnered with OCK Group Bhd to develop and operate telecommunications and digital infrastructure on Andaman Island in Penang.
The collaboration will see E&O's indirect subsidiary Tinggi Murni Sdn Bhd form a joint venture with OCK Group's OCK Setia Engineering Sdn Bhd, a provider of telecommunications network solutions and digital infrastructure services.
In a statement, E&O said the joint venture would develop and operate telecommunications towers, smart poles, fibre-optic and broadband networks, as well as in-building connectivity solutions.
The infrastructure will enable telecommunications operators and internet service providers to provide connectivity to residents, businesses and the wider community on the island.
E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said infrastructure planning was essential to transforming Andaman Island into a well-connected waterfront destination.
"Our vision for Andaman Island extends beyond the development of individual properties. We are shaping an integrated waterfront destination where people can live, work, connect and experience a complete lifestyle.
"Achieving this requires us to look beyond the physical environment and consider the essential systems that support everyday life, from accessibility and utilities to digital connectivity and the infrastructure needed for future growth," he said.
OCK Group managing director Datuk Sam Ooi Chin Khoon said the joint venture would allow telecommunications and digital infrastructure to be integrated into property developments from the planning stage.
He said OCK would combine telecommunications towers, in-building coverage solutions and fibre-to-the-home infrastructure under a single platform on Andaman Island.
"This approach is intended to enable telecommunications operators to expand their network presence more efficiently while supporting the connectivity needs of residents, businesses and the wider community," he said.
Ooi added that closer coordination between infrastructure providers and property developers could strengthen Malaysia's digital connectivity landscape.
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