MCMC: Madani submarine cable project expected to begin in Q1 2027, finish by 2029

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Madani Submarine Cable (Salam) project, which aims to strengthen communications connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and be completed by the fourth quarter of 2029.

The Communications Ministry said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was currently evaluating submissions following the publication of the invitation document for the project.

“The project involves the development of a new, high-capacity and resilient domestic submarine cable system with diverse network routes and backup capabilities to enhance the resilience of the country’s communications infrastructure,” the ministry said in a written reply published on the Parliament website.

The ministry was replying to a question from Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (BN-Putatan) on the latest status of the Salam initiative in Sabah and the areas in the state identified for the implementation of Phase 2 of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela).

On Jendela 2, the ministry said MCMC was preparing to implement Group 1, which is scheduled to begin next month, involving 1,000 sites nationwide, including 352 in Sabah, and aims to expand internet coverage through public 4G mobile services, a combination of 4G and 5G services, or satellite broadband, based on a fit-for-purpose approach.

Of the 352 sites in Sabah, the Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency has the highest number, with 106 sites, followed by Pensiangan (55), Kota Marudu (36), Kalabakan (29), Kudat (26), Tuaran (23), Penampang (15) and Ranau (15).

The other areas are Sipitang (13), Kimanis (12), Sepanggar (six), Papar (five), Batu Sapi (four), Beaufort and Tawau (three each), and Putatan (one).

“The government, through MCMC, will continue to assess current needs and consider extending the implementation to other areas in Sabah, including the Putatan parliamentary constituency, subject to priorities and the availability of funding,” it added. — Bernama