Kuala kangsar: Telecommunications services, particularly for users of CelcomDigi, Maxis, and Unifi Mobile, were disrupted after a fire broke out at a telecommunications tower in Kampung Kelebor, near Kuala Kangsar. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported the incident in a statement, noting that the fire occurred around 6:50 pm and involved a Maxis-owned tower that housed equipment for multiple service providers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the fire led to service disruptions in several areas, including Kampung Kelebor, Kampung Langkap Ketior, Kampung Rambai 7, Kampung Menora, Kampung Senggang, Kampung Ulu Kenas, and Kampung Lempor. Additionally, service coverage at the Sungai Perak Rest and Service Area along the North-South Expressway was affected.

The MCMC indicated that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and access to the site has been restricted by authorities to facilitate further investigations by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) and other relevant parties. Meanwhile, MCMC has instructed service providers to take immediate corrective actions and prepare a comprehensive recovery plan to address the disruption.

As an emergency measure, MCMC has activated Starlink satellite WiFi facilities at the northbound Sungai Perak Rest and Service Area to ensure continued access to telecommunications services for highway users. Furthermore, MCMC has directed tower owners and service providers to enhance maintenance, conduct technical inspections, and monitor all towers continuously to meet network reliability and user safety standards.

Perak JBPM's acting assistant director (operations), Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah, noted that the department received an emergency call about the incident, and the fire was extinguished with help from the landowner.