Sarawak aiming for 93.8% Internet coverage by year's end

SIBU: Internet coverage in Sarawak is expected to hit 93.87% by year's end, from the current 63.5%.

"(We expect to achieve this) through initiatives like SMART 600, Jendela and Clawback," Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) general manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng said.

Speaking at SMA Sibu Division Media Appreciation Night on Thursday (Oct 26), he said Sarawak is actively working with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) to establish a 5G ecosystem in the state.

He noted that Malaysia has been making significant strides in implementing 5G technology.

"Implementing a high-speed 5G network requires a robust and closely spaced telecommunications infrastructure, which is being installed by service providers in residential areas in Sarawak's cities.

"In contrast to previous technologies, 5G offers a minimal latency of just 1 millisecond, allowing for more efficient and precise remote device control," he said.

He said 5G could connect up to a million devices in an area of one square kilometre, compared to LTE technology which can only connect 1,000 devices in the same area.

Most importantly, the 5G network is safe for public health, with no adverse effects, he said.

"I would like to emphasise that, based on extensive studies and measurements, electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions from communications infrastructure in public areas are very low and pose no health risks to the population.

"It is essential to rely on accurate data rather than unsubstantiated rumours from unverified sources," he said.

On online fraud, he said the state government is expediting the implementation of a cybersecurity framework through its Cyber Security Unit.