Govt adopts satellite tech to provide Internet service in rural areas

Kuala Lumpur: The government is utilising satellite technology via the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) to provide internet service in rural and remote areas nationwide, the Senate was told.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin (pic) said this was in line with the ministry’s move which focuses on improving communication infrastructure by providing high-speed broadband coverage using various technologies.

However, he admitted that the use of satellite technology was not the best solution for the long run in providing such a service.

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“This is because broadband service provided through satellite technology has its weaknesses including capability based on limited capacity, high operation and maintenance costs, and stability issues in the event of bad weather or power outage.

“However, with the ongoing development in satellite technology, the ministry will continue to evaluate and consider using this technology in areas unreachable by fibre optic or 4G technology,” he said during Question Time at the Dewan Negara sitting Thursday.

He was replying to a question from Senator Adrian Banie Lasimbang who wanted to know the latest technology adopted by the government to ensure access to 4G coverage network in remote and blind spot areas in Sabah.

Zahidi said the ministry would work with service providers and the Sabah government to carry out a study to identify the best solution in ensuring such areas would enjoy appropriate mobile speed.

He said this was crucial as topography and population of remote areas in Sabah would be the deciding factors in ensuring an effective, viable and future-proof network structure.

Meanwhile, the government has been asked to raise the pocket money amount of Orang Asli schoolgoers from RM2 to RM10 a day to encourage their attendance in schools.

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Senator Datuk Isa Ab Hamid said the RM2 that is given now was no longer relevant due to the increasing cost of living.

“There are Orang Asli students who stay in hostels where the question of breakfast is not an issue but 60 per cent go to school from their homes. Breakfast already costs about RM5, lunchtime they have to walk back or take a bus home which could be a journey of up to two hours.

“So if can, the government or Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) should consider RM10 or a suitable amount for them,” he said when debating the Supply Bill 2021 in the Dewan Negara. 

At the same time, he said that he hoped the meal allowance for Orang Asli students of private higher education institutions can be raised to RM450 a month as compared to RM150 currently.

Meanwhile, he also suggested that the government provide an incentive of between RM5,000 and RM10,000 to Orang Asli to build their own homes as compared to providing Hardcore Poor Housing Project (PPRT) houses that cost RM60,000 a unit.

He said houses built by themselves using bamboo and preserved Bertam kelarai fronds last longer and were more appreciated by the Orang Asli community than PPRT houses.

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“If compared to a PPRT house that costs RM60,000, they can build more, that is six kampung houses of quality at that cost and at the same time, can be a tourist attraction,” he said.

The Dewan Negara sits again on Monday.