‘Improve Internet connectivity’

SIBU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been tasked with looking into improving Internet connectivity here after news of a 19-year-old student needing to trek two hours for better Internet reception went viral.

“I sympathise with what the student had to go through, yet impressed with his perseverance,” said Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

He said the Internet network was provided by Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (SRBN), adding that the matter would be looked into.

“I have instructed MCMC to liaise with SRBN so that this problem can be addressed,” he said in a tweet yesterday.

It was reported that Frank Steward Panting Sa from Pakan made a two-hour trek up Bukit Kelingkang for better Internet reception to attend an online interview with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in his quest to become a teacher.

In a Facebook video posted by his older brother Mario on Monday, Frank was seen sitting on a bemban mat in a makeshift hut built by his father, Sa Ujom.

According to Frank, he was touched that the video had been widely circulated.

“The video was posted not intending to go viral but to keep the interview as a memory and for younger generations to learn about hardship,” he said.

He voiced hope that the authorities would improve Internet connectivity here.

“I also hope for better road access between towns and schools,” he said in an interview with Majoriti.

Frank explained that he started hiking at 6am and brought food along.

On Monday, Mario said although their longhouse Rumah Suing in Teberu, Ulu Kemalih, is equipped with the WiFi Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) network, the bandwidth could not support the requirements for online interviews.

In June 2020, an 18-year-old girl made headlines after she uploaded a video of herself spending the night up a tree to get better Internet access for her exam.

The video by Veveonah Mosibin in Kg Sabanalang Pitas highlighted a lack of facilities in many parts of Sabah.

Veveonah, who hopes to be a lecturer and a successful YouTuber, eventually got an offer from Universiti Malaysia Sabah for a degree course.