PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will provide VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology in Kampung Gusi, Ranau, Sabah.
In a statement Sunday, MCMC said the effort had received support from Common Tower Technologies Sdn Bhd (CTT), a State-backed company which is a subsidiary of Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
It said CTT General Manager Law Chun Ming had confirmed that the installation of the VSAT would be carried out by Dec 15.
“In addition, three telecommunication towers will be built near Kampung Gusi under the National Digital Infrastructure Plan (Jendela).
“The locations have been stated in the tender document issued by MCMC on Nov 20,” it said.
The statement said MCMC sympathised with the students from the village, about 80km from Ranau town, who reportedly fell from a broken bridge while trying to get better Internet connectivity to follow online lessons on Nov 23.
MCMC also advised all students not to endanger themselves in search of Internet access.
On Saturday, CTT Chairman Ghazalie said it is high time for the Sabah State Government to take a more proactive role in pressing towards the rise of the telecommunications industry.
In a statement, he said the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin scheduled for 2021 is an approach imperative in accelerating the full digitalisation of Malaysia.
“Jendela, however, may achieve its target of developing gradual connectivity upgrades only with hands-on involvement by the State Government and its agencies.
“The State Government must establish its own telecommunication tower monitoring system to ensure all existing towers are working in full swing along with accurate data accumulation from field works.
“This system is also vital for the State Government to assess and meet the demands of Internet capacities unique to each locality mapped in the Jendela initiative to further serve the people better,” he said.
In the 9pm incident, a group of eight teenagers, including three students of SMK Ulu Sugut, gathered on the wooden bridge to gain Internet access when it collapsed after one of its cables snapped, causing them to fall and two of them injured.
