KOTA BELUD: Residents of Kg Lasau Tintapon, here, are up in arms and want immediate action to address over-a-month of non-existent Internet and phone connectivity in the village.
They are angry because their phone bills are still running although there is no Internet connection, and also because without phone service they would not be able to call for help in case of an emergency.
A resident, Rozita Alexander, 39, said although she lives in the city, she goes back to her village a few times a month to visit her elderly father.
“It is difficult that we cannot call him (father) when we are out of the village. We are very worried about his health and safety,” said the mother of one.
“Imagine being old and having health issues, and not even able to call anyone through the phone for help when needed,” she added.
Another villager claimed she contacted the Telekom customer careline 100 many times, just like many other villagers did, after the problem started more than a month ago.
“However, no one came to assist and rectify the problem until today. Now, it has gotten to the point that sometimes no one even bothers to pick up the phone anymore,” said the villager.
She said she has to drive out of her village every time she needs to make a phone call.
A small-time trader said with the government promising widespread Internet connectivity, it was saddening that many villagers still have to deal with such “prehistoric” troubles.
“We are already in 2024. What nonsense is this that we cannot even make a simple phone call due to inefficient and terrible service providers?” he said.
“Such inefficient telecommunication services run counter to the Government’s efforts in expanding Internet coverage through the implementation of the Jandela programme,” he added.
