With TM’s support, this hidden paradise is bridging tradition and technology
Crystal-clear waters, jungle trails shaded by canopies of emerald leaves, and a close-knit community of just over 100, lies Kampung Mukut, a hidden paradise of Tioman island.
For years, this coastal village, famed for dive spots like Nemo Point and nature escapes such as Asah Waterfall, was left offline, struggling with limited digital connectivity and scarce infrastructure.
Now, through thoughtful, community-driven development, Mukut, tucked beneath the dramatic peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut, better known as the Dragon Horns of Tioman is bridging the gap and embracing a new era of digitalisation without losing its soul.
Uniting roots with tech
Telekom Malaysia (TM) has chosen Kampung Mukut as the first village under its inaugural Jangkau Digital programme, reimagining it as a Smart Eco-Village that weaves together digital connectivity, economic empowerment, education, and environmental care.
The programme, launched by the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah during a recent visit, answers the government’s call for organisations to support sustainable, inclusive rural development.
TM’s managing director and group chief executive officer Amar Huzaimi Md Deris says: “Jangkau Digital TM is about building the right foundations for communities to thrive, from expanding digital access, to unlocking new economic opportunities, nurturing future-ready talent, and safeguarding the environment.
“It reflects our role as a nation builder, ensuring that even the most remote communities are part of Malaysia’s digital future. In Mukut, we are working closely with the community and the Tioman Development Authority as our strategic partner to demonstrate that rural and island villages can progress sustainably, while preserving the heritage and natural beauty that make them unique.”
Digital foundation for inclusive growth
Pulau Tioman’s digital transformation begins with a 75km submarine cable from Kuala Rompin, which was deployed by TM, forming the backbone of high-speed connectivity to the island. This is supported by the rollout of fibre broadband and expanded mobile coverage across key settlements and tourist areas, enabling stable, high-quality internet access for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“Before we had internet, ferry tickets had to be written by hand. Now everything is online and much faster—tourists and even villagers from other parts of Tioman can just WhatsApp us to book. It has really made life easier,” says Syahidah Azman, who helps operate a local ferry ticketing counter.
In Kampung Mukut, coverage is further enhanced with village-wide outdoor WiFi, spanning from the jetty and school to homestays, eateries, and scenic trails. This supports tourism, digital entrepreneurship, and virtual learning.
Complementing this, TM’s Vision AI CCTVs, installed at key locations, bolster public safety and help manage visitor flows, reinforcing Mukut’s eco-tourism appeal.
“Since TM came in, we can feel the progress here. They are working together with the community, and my hope is that this development will bring more visitors to Mukut in the future,” says Sabirin Syafiee, a local resident of Mukut.
MSME empowerment and economic upliftment
With strong digital connectivity in place, entrepreneurs in Mukut are now better equipped to participate in the digital economy.
Tourism operators, guesthouses, and boat services have been onboarded to visitmukut.com—a community-managed, AI-enhanced portal powered by TM which offers an end-to-end experience from discovery to booking. Linked to the Unifi Business Go Bookit app, it allows travellers to discover, book, and experience Mukut seamlessly.
This shift to online visibility is boosting business resilience, especially for those previously reliant on walk-ins. To support the transition, TM will provide targeted training in booking management, social media marketing, and digital content creation.
B40 entrepreneurs will also receive additional support under the Sejahtera MADANI programme. By building local digital capabilities, TM aims to broaden the economic impact of tourism and position Mukut as a digitally accessible destination.
Building capability in minds and mentors
Education is at the heart of Jangkau Digital. At SK Mukut, now a Champion School under the TM Future Skills (TMFS) programme, students are being introduced to coding, robotics, 3D printing, and AI.
Teachers are trained to bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and digital tools into everyday lessons, raising the bar for rural education. Beyond academics, TM supports Mukut’s sailing heritage by upgrading waterfront infrastructure and introducing a comprehensive coach training and talent development programme, complete with gear for the school team. This holistic approach empowers students to excel both in the classroom and on the water.
With TM’s backing—including a rebuilt boat slipway, new windsurfing equipment, safety gear, and competition sponsorship, Mukut’s youth are now setting their sights on the SEA Games 2027.
Sailing in Mukut first took shape during the pandemic, when students began with e-sailing competitions. From those virtual beginnings, they progressed to real regattas, winning medals at state and national levels.
“Even though we are a small school in the middle of the sea, our students have shown they can compete with the best. With effort, the right support, and the community behind us, Mukut’s children can go as far as any other,” says Sakry Muhammad, former SK Mukut headmaster and certified sailing coach.
Championing environmental stewardship
TM’s next phase of Jangkau Digital will focus on embedding environmental stewardship into various aspects of development. These include coral protection, trail conservation, and programmes to support marine biodiversity in Mukut. Meanwhile, TM’s submarine cables are also expected to naturally promote artificial reef formation.
To enhance eco-tourism safety, especially for treks to the Dragon Horns, TM is deploying GPS trackers and other digital tools to protect guides and hikers. Through Jangkau Digital, TM demonstrates that rural progress and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
Towards a greater purpose
Amar Huzaimi says TM’s aspiration to become Malaysia’s Digital Powerhouse by 2030 is grounded in its greater purpose to enable progress that is inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful for all.
“When students in Mukut can explore robotics, local entrepreneurs can reach customers worldwide, and young athletes can train for national glory, all while preserving their environment, we see the true value of digital transformation.
“Jangkau Digital TM in Mukut is just the beginning, and we are committed to extending this progress to other rural islands and communities across the nation,” he says.
