Ensure good Internet coverage for GE15, says Annuar

KOTA BARU: Telecommunications service providers have been reminded to provide full cooperation during the 15th General Election (GE15).

Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa (pic) said the move is necessary so that the Election Commission (EC) could carry out its duties as well as ensuring that news reporting from such locations run smoothly.

“We have requested that telecommunications service providers check the level and capacity of the Internet, especially at the vote tallying centres. This is so that reporting by news agencies, media channels and so on can be done without hindrance but more importantly so that the work of the EC can be carried out as best as possible,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after distributing devices to students at SMK Melor here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Annuar added that based on past experiences during the election period, Internet traffic in certain locations would be higher.

“In the past, there was communication congestion due to the high level of usage at the same time, especially on voting day. The matter is being studied on places we need to upgrade.

“However, the quality in the polling areas is currently better in line with the implementation of the National Digital Network (Jendela), which has increased the average mobile broadband speed to over 40 megabits per second (mbps), above the target of 35 mbps,” he said.