Sarawak issues 78 notices over network failures

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued 78 compliance notices to telecommunications service providers following network performance tests at 706 locations across Sarawak as of September 2026.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the notices were issued to address identified non-compliance with the Mandatory Standards for Quality of Service (MSQoS) and ensure remedial measures were implemented within the stipulated timeframe.

Winding up the debate on his ministry at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting today, he said the state government would continue working with MCMC and telecommunications providers to tackle recurring quality of service (QoS) issues, particularly in areas with frequent consumer complaints and unsatisfactory network performance.

He said the government was also pursuing network modernisation and infrastructure expansion to improve internet connectivity and service reliability throughout Sarawak.

“The RM185 million SACOFA Network Modernisation Programme, being implemented in stages, is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.

“Upon completion, overall network capacity is projected to increase more than fourfold, from 1.6 terabits per second (Tbps) to 7.2 Tbps, while capacity at each site will rise from 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 100 Gbps,” he said.

Julaihi said the upgrades would help reduce network congestion and improve internet quality, particularly as data consumption and the number of users continue to increase.

He cited video-streaming applications such as YouTube and Netflix, as well as higher user numbers at longhouses and villages during festive seasons, as factors contributing to telecommunications network congestion.

To address coverage gaps along major roads, he said improvements were being implemented in stages along the Pan Borneo Highway, Coastal Road and Second Trunk Road, in line with MCMC’s initiative, “Where There Are Roads, There Should Be Internet”.

As an initial measure, new telecommunications towers are being built at 40 strategic locations along the Pan Borneo Highway to improve coverage and address weak-signal areas.

On wider digital connectivity, Julaihi said the 5,582-kilometre MADANI Submarine Cable Programme (SALAM), allocated RM2 billion under Budget 2026, would enhance connections between Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah while increasing domestic network capacity and resilience.

He said the ministry, through Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), was also strengthening Kuching’s potential as an International Digital Gateway through direct connections to global networks.

This includes the development of a Cable Landing Station (CLS) for submarine cable systems, including the South-East Asia Hainan-Hong Kong Express (SEA-H2X).

A memorandum of understanding between SDEC and Philippine telecommunications company Converge ICT Solutions was signed on October 5, 2026, to demonstrate their joint commitment to implementing the SEA-H2X project.

Julaihi said the initiative was expected to create investment opportunities in artificial intelligence technology and cloud services in Sarawak.

He said the state government would continue working with MCMC and telecommunications service providers to upgrade and modernise networks, while increasing telecommunications capacity and coverage to ensure more stable and higher-quality services.