PETALING JAYA: The Federal Government’s allocation of over RM2bil in Sabah will strengthen digital infrastructure, improve Internet connectivity and support smart city development, says the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
It said the allocation affirmed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim covers key initiatives underway and planned across the state.
“The Kota Kinabalu Smart City project is one of the main initiatives,” it said.
The partnership with Kota Kinabalu City Hall involving over RM300mil in digital infrastructure was sealed in December 2024.
The commission said this includes expanding fibre networks, providing public WiFi at strategic locations, installing integrated 4G and 5G smart poles and deploying smart CCTV systems linked to the Integrated Operations Centre.
MCMC added that Jendela 2 will be expanded with 800 new sites mainly in interior areas and islands.
It said the estimated total cost is RM1.4bil including development and five year operating costs.
“This initiative is expected to benefit 3.7 million people in Sabah and achieve full coverage in populated areas,” it said.
As of September 2025, 131 National Information Dissemination Centres are operating statewide with operating costs of about RM210mil for five years, it said.
It said the centres provide Internet access, skills training, online services and digital literacy programmes to ensure rural communities have equal opportunities in a knowledge based economy.
The government is also implementing a fibre to the home project at Armed Forces Family Housing in Sabah camps.
“Nine military camps with about 6,900 homes have benefited from this initiative involving RM14.2mil in costs,” MCMC said on Tuesday (Nov 18).
