CYBERJAYA: Efforts to bridge the digital divide in Sarawak have been given a major boost through the implementation of the SMART600 Project, a joint initiative between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
The project, which involves the construction of 600 new communication towers in two phases, is set to enhance digital connectivity in over 1,000 rural locations across the state, benefitting approximately 180,000 residents in areas such as Belaga, Marudi, Sungai Belawai, Kapit, and Sungai Encheremin.
As of July 2025, 587 towers have been completed, with 431 already activated using Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology.
The remainder will be commissioned in stages.
MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din said the initiative marks a strong commitment to ensuring no Malaysian is left behind in the digital age.
“The SMART600 Project is not just about building towers; it’s about empowering lives.
“This effort demonstrates our commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital services for all communities, especially in remote and underserved areas of Sarawak,” he said during the signing ceremony held at MCMC headquarters in Cyberjaya.
SDEC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sudarnoto Osman said the project is a strategic move towards digital inclusivity.
“By leading the implementation of SMART600, we are reinforcing our mission to transform Sarawak’s rural connectivity landscape.
“Reliable access to digital infrastructure is the key to unlocking opportunities in education, healthcare, and the rural digital economy,” he said.
The SMART600 initiative also supports the goals of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which aims to drive digital economic activities and uplift rural socio-economic conditions.
Under a shared financing model, the Sarawak Government, through SDEC, is funding the capital expenditure (CAPEX), while the Federal Government via MCMC and mobile network operators (MNOs), including CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, and YTL Communications are covering the operating expenditure (OPEX).
The new towers will support high-speed Internet services essential for digital applications such as AI, video streaming, IoT and public sector services.
The MOCN model allows users to access services from up to five mobile network operators, and is complemented by broadband services under the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN).
Also present at the event was SDEC Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, along with senior officials from both agencies.
