Kota kinabalu: Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has proposed that the installation of Starlink satellite internet services be expanded to rural and interior areas to ensure local communities can enjoy the facility and are not left behind in terms of digital access. Masiung (GRS-Kuamut) emphasized the significant impact of the initiative introduced by the Communications Ministry, particularly for students in rural and interior areas of Sabah who continue to face limited internet access.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Masiung highlighted the importance of the ministry’s programme aimed at providing internet access to rural areas through Starlink. He urged the minister to expand the programme and ensure that every village is equipped with Starlink satellite internet facilities. Masiung stressed the need for wider publicity and extension of the programme to villages, as it would greatly benefit students in gaining internet access.
To date, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has installed Starlink devices in several rural and remote areas, including two locations each in Papar, Keningau, and Tawau, as well as one location each in Kudat, Ranau, Tuaran, and Nabawan.
In other developments, Masiung commended the Sabah government’s achievements through the introduction of various new policies, including initiatives in human capital development, educational assistance, and the people’s housing agenda under the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative. He emphasized the need for more efficient implementation at the departmental and agency levels in the state.
Masiung also stressed the importance of expediting the delivery of state government programmes, such as the RM200 education assistance for Form Five and Six students, as well as aid for those pursuing diploma and degree studies, so beneficiaries can enjoy the assistance without delay.
Meanwhile, Masiung urged the Sabah government to explore the potential of new mineral resources such as gold, coal, and rare earth elements as long-term economic catalysts. He also called for the expedited establishment of a special committee to formulate a mechanism for claiming Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement. Masiung expressed his support for the Sabah Budget 2026, emphasizing the need for full utilization of the budget to ensure state progress, peace, and political stability.