Kampung Gusai: Telecommunication companies (telcos) should regularly go to the ground to monitor towers in remote parts of Pahang to ensure reliable network access, said state Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal. He emphasized that there should be no compromise on such facilities as communities in remote areas also deserve equal access to communication networks just like other residents.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadzli stated, “I would like to remind telcos to take telecommunication disruptions in Pahang seriously, regardless of the reasons. We have a shared trust and responsibility that must be carried out together.” These comments were made during a two-day working visit with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to Mukim Hulu Tembeling, which began yesterday.
Fadzli further noted that 4G coverage in populated areas in Pahang has increased to 99.54 per cent from 89.2 per cent before the implementation of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) plan. The coverage aims to reach 100 per cent with the rollout of JENDELA Phase Two. The primary factor behind this increase in coverage is the construction of 270 new towers, implemented since 2021 across Pahang, particularly in rural settlements, traditional villages, and along rural roads.
In addition to the new towers, the upgrading of 902 existing transmission stations from 3G to 4G coverage, which was fully completed in 2023, has also contributed to the enhanced network service. Regarding plans for JENDELA Phase Two, Fadzli mentioned that the state government has submitted a request to the Ministry of Communications for Pahang to be given priority in terms of allocation for the construction of new towers, including in remote areas such as Mukim Hulu Tembeling.
Fadzli highlighted the issue of telecommunication service disruptions in Mukim Hulu Tembeling, attributing them to damaged fibre optic cables caused by wild animals, natural disasters, and falling tree branches. Following a briefing by telcos, he shared that replacement works for damaged fibre optic cables in Kampung Gusai, Jerantut, and six other locations up to Kem Nusa, Kuala Tahan, will begin today and are expected to be completed by August.