Kota Kinabalu: The implementation of direct-to-device satellite internet technology will be tested at several locations in Sabah under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) Phase II, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
He said several suitable locations in the state would be identified to conduct a proof of concept for the direct-to-device technology, which enables internet connectivity from satellites to be delivered directly to mobile phones.
“We will do this 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 the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, here, Monday.
During the courtesy call, which was also attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Fahmi provided updates on several initiatives being implemented by the ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Fahmi said the Jendela Phase II Project will begin soon, involving over 300 locations in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
He said some of the locations will involve tower installations, while other locations will adopt satellite internet or technology that doesn’t require tower installation.
“For more remote areas but with residents, we are using a different strategy this time,” he said, while explaining that the installation of telecommunications towers would take at least two years and would face various challenges.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Madani Submarine Cable Connection (Salam) initiative would be a catalyst for the development of Sabah’s digital economy through the provision of faster and more stable internet services.
He said the new large-scale initiative was highly significant as it would connect Sedili, Kuching and Miri in Sarawak; as well as Tanjung Aru, Sandakan and Tawau in Sabah.
“Previously, the landing point was in Tanjung Aru, near Kota Kinabalu. But we found that the submarine cable needs to be installed along the coastline all the way to Tawau. This is a new initiative that we believe will be very meaningful towards developing Sabah’s digital economy,” he said.
Fahmi said his ministry would ensure that all initiatives, especially those involving digital infrastructure in Sabah, were implemented according to the stipulated schedule and cost, while remaining committed to strengthening digital literacy among the public.
He said a good understanding of internet usage was important to prevent members of the public from becoming scam victims, being involved in online crimes or falling victim to cybercrime.
Fahmi said the MCMC has detected over 2,000 fake accounts nationwide over the past five to six weeks, which were used, among others, to disseminate fake news, 3R content, as well as posts related to scams and online gambling.
“This is quite concerning, including for Sabah. We cannot rule out the possibility that many fake accounts are also operating in Sabah.
“I have informed the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah that MCMC will redouble its efforts to combat fake accounts, especially those created to carry out online criminal activities,” he said.
