KUCHING: SACOFA Sdn Bhd’s (SACOFA) RM185 million network modernisation programme has reached a major milestone, with 365 telecommunications sites ready for service as of July 2026, marking about 50 per cent completion of the statewide initiative.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said another 367 sites are currently undergoing modernisation out of a total of 732 sites under the programme, which began in November 2025 and is scheduled for completion in 2027.
“This steady progress reflects SACOFA’s commitment to delivering a future-ready network that will continue to support Sarawak’s digital transformation,” he said in his speech at the SACOFA 25th anniversary gala dinner here on Wednesday.
Julaihi said the programme represents a significant leap forward in strengthening Sarawak’s telecommunications infrastructure through the adoption of advanced Optical Transport Network technologies, AI-driven network intelligence and next-generation routing capabilities.
Upon completion, he said the programme will increase SACOFA’s overall network capacity from 1.6 terabits per second to 7.2 terabits per second, while boosting individual site capacity from 10 gigabits per second to 100 gigabits per second.
“These enhancements will significantly improve network performance, reliability and scalability to meet the growing demands of businesses, government services and communities throughout Sarawak,” he said.
Julaihi added that resilient digital infrastructure remains critical as emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, smart cities and advanced digital services continue to reshape the economy.
He said SACOFA currently owns and manages more than 1,688 telecommunications towers and over 11,000 kilometres of fibre optic network, serving as the backbone of connectivity throughout Sarawak.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the strong support of the Sarawak Government, the trust of our industry partners and stakeholders, and the dedication and commitment of the Board of Directors, Management and staff who have contributed to SACOFA’s growth over the past twenty-five years,” said Julaihi.
He also said Sarawak has urged Putrajaya to give greater consideration to the state’s spectrum requirements to support the expansion of digital connectivity across its vast geographical area.
He said the matter remains under the jurisdiction of Putrajaya through the Ministry of Communications, adding that he had recently raised the matter with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“I informed the managing director of MCMC to please give Sarawak greater consideration when it comes to spectrum because we really need it to improve and extend connectivity statewide,” he said.
Julaihi noted that Sarawak’s land area is comparable to the whole of Malaya, making adequate spectrum allocation essential to accelerate the state’s digital transformation.
“I hope they will consider our request in order to achieve our speedy digital transformation in our process going towards 2030 while we are implementing our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.
