POOR INTERNET SERVICE IN SABAH

THE KOTA KINABALU Member of Parliament Hiew King Cheu asked recently in Parliament concerning the very poor internet and telephone services in the rural district which is affecting the rural folks. He also asked whether the said services can be upgraded or provided for them.

The Ministry of information, Communication and Culture and the Commission of communication and Multimedia Malaysia (SKMM) has planned several initiatives to improve and expand broadband coverage to rural areas in Sabah.

To improve the quality of Internet and telephone services in rural areas, the Government will implement the Broadband for General Population (BBGP) 'Backhaul' under the provisions of MP-10 this year. This project will expand the existing Cyber network to rural areas and the interior districts in Sabah.

With the Cyber network service in the rural areas, the quality and capacity of internet services could be improved and enhanced. Further, Internet service will be faster and more efficient to be enjoyed by the people there. This initiative will help to expand the coverage of the cellular network and 3G broadband to areas where there are transmission towers nearby can be used for the 'Backhaul' network.

Until last year, a total of 60 towers were built in Sabah and a total of 77 towers are under construction, while there are 75 more towers will be built. The towers are equipped with 2G and 3G systems to improve the quality of Internet and phone service in the rural areas of Sabah.

The KK MP Hiew said this is not good enough to cover the important areas in Sabah. He sited for an example that the nearest places like the kampongs in Karambunai, Sepanggar, and in Penampang where these areas still experiencing poor internet and telephone services. It is a fact that even in the big towns in Sabah, we still have very weak and slack broadband services, and coupled with terrible phone connection which frequently cut off without signals.

This is something that the Ministry should look into immediately. The rural folks should be given with the facilities as soon as possible, and this is because they can not do without the internet and telephone services anymore. It is a must to provide the services and the telephone companies should provide the same without further delay.