Kuah: The construction of the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Langkawi Broadcasting Complex in Kuah is expected to be completed in September, as stated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The project has made significant progress, reaching 49% completion since a new contractor took over in October 2023.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project was previously considered ailing. The issue was addressed by terminating the previous contractor and appointing a new one in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR). This has resulted in encouraging progress, with the project anticipated to meet its scheduled completion. Key aspects such as internet and equipment are being scrutinized, and the overall structure is nearing completion. Minister Fahmi commended the Kedah JKR for their efforts in advancing the project.

During a working visit to the RTM Langkawi Broadcasting Complex Project, Fahmi expressed confidence in the timely completion of the project, noting that several tasks can be executed simultaneously. The RTM Langkawi has been operating out of a rented Tabung Haji-owned premises for about 30 years, renewing the contract periodically.

The new complex, with a budget exceeding RM11.4 million, includes office administration space, a guard room, guest room, ICT rooms, meeting rooms, store, surau, cafeteria, and parking facilities. It will also house broadcast engineering spaces such as a broadcasting and radio recording studio, editing and ingest room, main control room, newsTV studio, multipurpose studio, and radio server room.

The project encountered setbacks when the previous contractor, appointed in March 2021, failed to complete the building on the 4.0465-hectare site, leading to the termination of their services in 2023. Moving forward, Fahmi announced the ministry’s next target is to complete the RTM Complex project in Bintulu, Sarawak, including the reconstruction of several RTM staff quarters.