Several locations in Sabah will be selected to test direct-to-device satellite internet technology under the second phase of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.
The technology is designed to provide internet connectivity directly from satellites to mobile phones, potentially offering a solution for communities in remote areas where conventional telecommunications infrastructure can be difficult to establish.
Fahmi said suitable locations in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia would be identified for the proof-of-concept exercise under Jendela Phase II.
“We will find locations in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia to carry out the tests,” he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman on Monday.
The visit, also attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, included updates on various initiatives being implemented by the ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Fahmi said Jendela Phase II is expected to begin soon and will cover more than 300 locations nationwide, including areas in Sabah and Sarawak. While some locations will receive new telecommunications towers, others will use satellite internet or alternative technologies that do not require tower construction.
He explained that a different approach was needed for remote communities, as building telecommunications towers could take at least two years and face various logistical challenges.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Madani Submarine Cable Connection (Salam) initiative would play an important role in supporting Sabah’s digital economy by providing faster and more stable internet connectivity.
The large-scale project will connect Sedili, Kuching and Miri in Sarawak with Tanjung Aru, Sandakan and Tawau in Sabah.
Fahmi said the submarine cable would extend along the coastline from the existing landing point in Tanjung Aru near Kota Kinabalu towards Tawau, describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening Sabah’s digital infrastructure.
He also assured that the ministry would ensure digital infrastructure projects in Sabah were delivered according to the stipulated timelines and costs, while continuing efforts to improve digital literacy among the public.
According to Fahmi, better understanding of internet use is increasingly important as Malaysians face risks including online scams, cybercrime and the spread of harmful content.
He added that MCMC had detected more than 2,000 fake accounts nationwide over the past five to six weeks. Some of the accounts were allegedly used to spread false information, 3R-related content, scams and online gambling promotions.
Fahmi said Sabah could also be affected by such activities and that MCMC would intensify efforts to identify and combat fake accounts, particularly those created for online criminal purposes.
