Kuching: Sarawak’s Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi has expressed hopes that the federal government will allow the state’s telecommunications companies to participate in the MADANI Submarine Cable Connection (SALAM) project.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the SALAM project was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the presentation of Budget 2026, aiming to enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure. The initiative involves the construction of a 3,190km submarine fibre-optic cable that will link Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah. Julaihi conveyed this information during the winding-up session for the ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting.

In related news, Julaihi highlighted that SACOFA, a state government-owned telecommunications company, is actively working on enhancing fiber-optic infrastructure to boost network capacity. This initiative commenced last October and is set to be completed within 20 months. It aims to enhance backhaul service capabilities for telecommunications service providers such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, and U Mobile, with the goal of reducing network congestion and offering a more stable internet connection quality to users.