KOTA KINABALU: Telecommunication companies (telcos) should improve their connectivity and quality of services, especially in areas with high tourism traffic, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said telcos must do so in time to welcome Visit Malaysia 2026.
Fahmi, who made a telecommunication coverage quality inspection with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at several tourism sites in Sandakan, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, found that most areas were well covered.
However, several areas like the reception counter and veterinary clinic at the orangutan rehabilitation centre and the lakeside pavilion at the Rainforest Discovery Centre had poor connectivity.
“The telcos involved must address this issue immediately as a preparatory measure to welcome Visit Malaysia 2026,” said Fahmi.
Apart from the inspections, a dialogue session was also held to identify possible collaborations between state-managed tourism players and the Communications Ministry.
According to the MCMC, a total of 1,257 Mandatory Standards on Quality of Service (MSQoS) tests were conducted nationwide, including 196 locations in Sabah in the first quarter of this year.
From these inspections, 135 notices were issued.
In 2023 and 2024, a total of 46 penalties amounting to RM6.55mil in compounds were issued for failure to comply with the MSQoS.
