KUCHING: Over 1,500 people from 500 households in Kampung Bumbok and its surrounding areas here will benefit from full internet coverage by the first quarter of next year.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) is currently working to expand its UniFi services by installing fibre distribution cabinets (FDCs) across the constituency.
“At this moment, I am aware that my constituency is facing poor connectivity problem but we will have improved internet connectivity by the first quarter of next year with the first phase involving Kampung Bumbok and its surrounding areas.
“For the whole of Batu Kitang constituency which covers even up to Kampung Bunga Rampai – the farthest area in my constituency, we target to have full fibre optic internet coverage at top speed of 5G by the end of next year,” he said during his visit to review TM’s plan to provide improved internet connectivity services at Kampung Bumbok in Batu Kitang here today.
To date, the progress of the FDC installation in Batu Kitang is at 30 percent with the remaining works to involve pooling customers or subscriptions and installing UniFi to their homes.
The total cost would take roughly about RM30 million to RM40 million for the whole Batu Kitang constituency including RM10 million for the first phase – Kampung Bumbok and its surrounding areas.
Lo who is also the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman, advised Batu Kitang constituents to take care of such utility service, while warning that copper cable thefts would lead to disruptions of service and poor connectivity.
He noted that the new internet technology would be using fibre optic cables which have no value in the market and would be able to prevent theft and thus, providing the people good internet connectivity.
Meanwhile, TM Sarawak general manager Jafer Sadiq Abdul Lathiff said they stand guided by the state government’s aspiration in digital economy as part of the nation building agenda.
“I am glad that we are able to give our support in bringing our services to the constituency and we hope that whatever we are delivering here is in line with supporting the federal and state initiatives to benefit the community at large.
“Once the internet is available, it will enrich the lives of the community and enhance their standard of living,” he added.
