Making great progress: Fahmi (below) posing for photos during a site visit to the RTM Langkawi broadcasting complex in Kuah. — Bernama
LANGKAWI: The construction of the Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s (RTM) Langkawi broadcasting complex in Kuah is expected to be completed in September, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He added that he is currently pleased with the project’s progress, which has reached 49% since a new contractor took over in October 2023.
“Two years ago, this project was considered an ailing one. After stern action was taken together with the Public Works Department (JKR) by terminating the previous contractor and appointing a new contractor, we can see today that the progress of this project is encouraging, and it is expected to be completed within the stipulated time.
“Several matters will be scrutinised, including issues related to the Internet and equipment.
“Most importantly, the overall structure of the complex is nearly complete, with only a few remaining concerns to address.
“Congratulations are due to the Kedah JKR for their efforts in progressing this project,” he stated, reported Bernama.
Fahmi was speaking to reporters after a working visit to the RTM Langkawi broadcasting complex project here yesterday.
Also present was Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.
Fahmi expressed confidence that the project could be completed on schedule, citing that several tasks could be carried out simultaneously.
He added that RTM Langkawi had been renting premises owned by Tabung Haji for about 30 years, with the rental agreement being renewed periodically.
It is learnt that the new complex project, costing more than RM11.4mil, also involves the construction of a building with, among others, office administration space, a guard room, a guest room, ICT rooms, meeting rooms, a store, a surau, a cafeteria and parking facilities.
The complex will also include broadcast engineering spaces, such as a broadcasting and radio recording studio, an editing and ingest room, a main control room, a news TV studio, a multi-purpose studio and a radio server room.
The project was considered ailing when the previous contractor, who was appointed in March 2021, failed to complete the building on the 4.0465ha site.
The ministry terminated his services in 2023.
Fahmi said that the ministry’s next focus will shift towards completing the RTM complex project in Bintulu, Sarawak.
“Instructions have been given to the KSU (ministry secretary- general) to focus on completing the RTM project in Bintulu, together with the tearing down and reconstruction of several RTM staff quarters,” he said.
