KUCHING: The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) is urged to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the existing telecommunications framework in Kapit as an effort to strengthen Internet coverage in the area.
Pelagus Assemblyman, Wilson Nyabong Ijang, said the matter is crucial as communication infrastructure remains a pressing issue in the rapidly developing region where various projects are underway.
He said that although mobile devices display 4G and 5G signals in certain areas, the actual quality of service remains poor where many users face difficulty in making or receiving calls, especially during peak hours due to network congestion.
“This indicates that while signal strength may appear adequate, the real issue lies in the limited broadband capacity and insufficient backhand infrastructure.
“Therefore, I strongly urge the authorities, particularly the SMA, to conduct a thorough assessment of the existing telecommunications framework in Kapit.
Similarly, telecommunications service providers should increase the frequency and scope of network upgrades to ensure reliable and high-quality connectivity in line with the rapid development of the area,” he said when seconding the motion of appreciation for the TYT’s address during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
In relation to that, he also called on the government to expedite the implementation of several development projects in Kapit to enhance connectivity and support rural sustainability, including efforts to strengthen food security.
According to him, among the involved projects are ferry services, including the construction of ramps and access roads at Nanga Tulie and Nanga Melipis, which have been approved since 2019 but are yet to be implemented; the construction of a new road from the Jalan Melekun junction to SK Nanga Kebiaw; an agricultural training centre in Nanga Mujong; and the construction of a Centralised Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC).
“This includes the Agrofood Terminal project in Bleteh, and the construction of a 3.7-kilometer bypass road from Bukit Goram to Jalan Kapit-Song, as well as another bypass at the existing traffic light junction, which is important to reduce traffic congestion and ease movement within Kapit town,” he added.
In terms of healthcare, he urged that the Nanga Mujong Health Clinic, currently operating as a Type 6 or 7 facility, be upgraded to at least Type 3 or 4 to allow for the placement of a full-time Medical Officer (Doctor) and the provision of essential services such as X-ray and laboratory diagnostics.
“I also propose that the clinic be gazetted as a satellite clinic, as it does not only serve the residents of Nanga Mujong, but also the Majau area and the Mid-Region Baleh, thereby increasing access to healthcare services for remote communities.
“Given that land for the construction of a new clinic in Nanga Pelagus has been identified and is ready for development, the Ministry of Health is urged to expedite its construction to meet the urgent healthcare needs of the surrounding population,” he explained.
In another development, he also proposed that consideration be given to amending the Sarawak Constitution to increase the number of Ministers in the State Government Meeting (Sarawak Cabinet).
“The current maximum limit of 10 ministers was set many years ago when the state was in a different phase of development and administrative landscape compared to today.
“Sarawak now plays a far more significant role, not only within Malaysia but also globally in areas such as green energy, digital transformation, education, infrastructure, and economic diversification.
“Therefore, our governance structure needs to evolve in line with these changes,” he emphasised.
