KUALA LUMPUR: Internet coverage across Sarawak has risen significantly from 54.3 per cent in 2022 to 94.5 per cent today, reflecting the success of the state’s digital transformation efforts supported by RM2.3 billion in telecommunications infrastructure investments.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the remarkable progress was driven by the state’s SALURAN initiative, which works hand in hand with federal programmes to expand digital connectivity across urban, rural and remote areas.
“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 during the SACOFA Client Networking Hi-Tea 2026 held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel here on Friday (June 12).
Julaihi, who is also SACOFA chairman, said digital connectivity remains a key pillar of Sarawak’s development agenda under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
A major component of the SALURAN initiative is the SMART Project, which involves the construction of 618 telecommunications towers, including 17 relay towers, in rural and remote areas throughout the state.
The project complements the federal government’s JENDELA programme, under which 636 telecommunications towers have been completed under Phase 1, while another 337 sites have been identified for Phase 2 implementation beginning in the fourth quarter of this year.
Beyond infrastructure development, SALURAN also includes service-based initiatives such as the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), which currently provides fixed wireless broadband and fibre connectivity to nearly 50,000 households.
Meanwhile, WiFi SALURAN has delivered interim satellite internet access to about 250 rural locations while permanent telecommunications infrastructure is being put in place.
Julaihi said SACOFA will continue to play a central role in strengthening Sarawak’s digital infrastructure ecosystem through its extensive network of approximately 12,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables and management of 1,680 telecommunications towers across the state.
“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.
He added that Sarawak is also looking beyond conventional telecommunications by expanding into new technology sectors, including aerospace and satellite-related industries, through the establishment of a dedicated space agency and the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council.
