Kuala lumpur: Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that additional solutions to enhance high-speed internet access in rural areas under Phase 2 of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) plan are expected to be unveiled in the fourth quarter of this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the implementation of Phase 2, overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), will focus on Sabah and Sarawak. These regions face challenging terrain, limited grid power supply, and lack access roads, necessitating the use of alternative technologies such as solar panels and satellite connectivity. Teo emphasized the need for a careful assessment of service delivery methods and the capacity of the Universal Service Provision Fund to cover both capital and operational expenses.
To optimize existing infrastructure, Teo highlighted that MCMC plans to upgrade the Multi-Operator Core Network from a four-way to a six-way configuration. The commission is also evaluating the integration of towers constructed under JENDELA Phase 1 into the 5G network rollout in Sabah and Sarawak. Comprehensive discussions have been conducted with relevant agencies, including MCMC’s regional offices and 5G network providers, to expedite widespread coverage for communities in these states.
Teo mentioned that MCMC has been performing periodic audits to ensure compliance with the Mandatory Standards for Quality of Service, aimed at improving internet coverage nationwide. Between January 1 and July 31 this year, 2,781 quality tests were conducted, identifying 1,684 non-compliance cases across 815 locations. Of these, 462 non-compliances have been rectified, while 1,222 are still under evaluation for the issuance of Commission Directives.
Last year, MCMC issued 268 Commission Directives for 219 locations under subsection 51(2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with penalties reaching up to RM1 million in fines, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. Teo also revealed that the government has expanded broadband infrastructure through the Point of Presence initiative, offering speeds up to 1Gbps. By August 31, 1,560 PoPs were completed out of 3,693 Phase 2 sites, including 485 in Sabah and 406 in Sarawak.
The smart services initiative, implemented through the National Information Dissemination Centre, recorded over 710,000 participations between September 2024 and July 2025. In Sarawak, the SMART 600 project has completed 431 communications towers, with 169 still under construction, as part of efforts to improve rural connectivity. Teo noted that communications have been recognized as a public utility since 2021, under MCMC Communication Infrastructure Planning Guidelines, to facilitate infrastructure installation and reduce the digital divide in underserved areas.