KUCHING: Budget 2026 has allocated RM6 billion to boost network infrastructure, close coverage gaps, and drive Sarawak’s transformation into a sustainable, high-income digital economy by 2030.
Demanlink Connexion (Sarawak) chief executive officer Hanad Yusuf said the allocation underscores the State’s strong commitment to building a resilient digital foundation that supports Smart City initiatives in Kuching and Miri, the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the empowerment of rural communities and industries.
“Connectivity is no longer a background enabler; it is the foundation of economic resilience and shared opportunity for every Sarawakian,” he said in a statement.
Hanad said Sarawak has made significant progress, with 91.93 per cent internet coverage and 4,349 of 7,000 targeted towers completed, yet over 200,000 Sarawakians still lack reliable mobile access, underscoring the need for digital inclusion across all communities.
He added that Sarawak’s 5G rollout has reached 63.8 per cent in populated areas, slightly below the national average and slower in rural regions, and while basic connectivity remains a priority, 5G is essential for advancing smart cities, agriculture, and energy optimisation under the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Budget 2026 also includes major telecommunications initiatives such as RM770 million for new Point of Presence (PoP) sites, RM780 million for JENDELA broadband expansion in 2,700 new areas, and RM2 billion for a 3,190-kilometre undersea cable linking key parts of Sarawak.
Hanad said developing network infrastructure across Sarawak’s vast and diverse terrain requires adaptive approaches and strong local partnerships capable of delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity.
“In cities, where data demand continues to grow, we must enhance coverage and capacity to support smarter public services and emerging digital industries,” he said.
He cited Demanlink’s rapid In-Building Coverage (IBC) deployment at One Shell Square in Miri, which delivered high-speed indoor connectivity across 13 floors, as an example of effective collaboration and technical precision that strengthens the State’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Hanad added that cooperation among regulators, property owners, and industry stakeholders is essential to streamline approval processes and ensure seamless network integration.
On rural connectivity, he said infrastructure development must go hand in hand with digital literacy to ensure long-term benefits for communities.
“Through EdgePoint Infrastructure’s Connectivity for Communities (CFC) initiative, we have equipped SMK Simunjan No. 1 and SK Long Miri with high-speed internet and digital literacy programmes,” he said.
He added that both schools have recorded improved attendance and exam performance, while nearby communities now enjoy access to online services that were previously unavailable.
Hanad said the CFC initiative also shows how rapid-deployment connectivity nodes and hybrid power systems can overcome logistical challenges in remote areas with limited road and power infrastructure.
“As Sarawak moves toward a connected future, cohesive coordination among regulators, developers, and industry players will be vital to align planning, investment, and implementation,” he said.
“Every tower built and every community connected brings Sarawak closer to its goal of becoming a digitally empowered, inclusive society where connectivity translates into capability and capability into shared prosperity,” he ad
