RM2.3 Billion SALURAN Initiative Lifts Sarawak Internet Coverage To 94.5 Per Cent
KUALA LUMPUR: Internet coverage across Sarawak has surged to 94.5 per cent from 54.3 per cent in 2022, marking a major milestone in the state's digital transformation agenda driven by a RM2.3 billion telecommunications infrastructure investment.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication and SACOFA Chairman, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the achievement was made possible through the state's SALURAN initiative, which complements federal efforts to expand connectivity throughout the state.
"These achievements would not have been possible without strong collaboration among government agencies, regulators, telecommunication service providers, infrastructure partners, technology companies and industry stakeholders," he said.
He made these remarks at the SACOFA Client Networking Hi-Tea 2026 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel here on Friday.
Dato Sri Julaihi added that digital connectivity has been positioned as a key enabler under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
He said the SMART Project, a cornerstone of the SALURAN initiative, involves the construction of 618 telecommunications towers, including 17 relay towers, in rural and remote areas across Sarawak.
The project complements the Federal Government's JENDELA programme, under which 636 towers have been completed under Phase 1, while another 337 sites have been identified for Phase 2 beginning in the fourth quarter of this year.
Dato Sri Julaihi said SALURAN also includes service-based initiatives such as the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), which now connects almost 50,000 households through fixed wireless broadband and fibre services.
In addition, WiFi SALURAN has provided interim satellite internet access at approximately 250 rural locations while permanent telecommunications infrastructure is being developed.
He said SACOFA will continue strengthening its role as the backbone of Sarawak's digital infrastructure ecosystem, supported by its network of approximately 12,000km of fibre optic infrastructure and management of 1,680 telecommunications towers statewide.
"Sarawak, through SACOFA, will continue to expand fibre optic infrastructure, enhance internet speed and improve connectivity coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas," he said.
Dato Sri Julaihi added that the state is also broadening its technological ambitions beyond telecommunications, including plans to develop aerospace and satellite-related capabilities through the establishment of a dedicated space agency and the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council.
Among those present were SACOFA board members, telecommunications industry players, strategic partners, clients and stakeholders. -UKASnews
