OVER RM2 BILLION ALLOCATED FOR KEY INITIATIVES IN SABAH - MCMC

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has confirmed that the RM2 billion allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for Sabah will fund several key initiatives currently being implemented or planned in the state.

One of the major projects is the Smart City initiative for Kota Kinabalu, a new venture worth over RM300 million in collaboration with the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK). The agreement was signed in December 2024.

This initiative will include expanding fibre optic networks, providing public Wi-Fi, installing integrated 4G and 5G smart poles, and deploying smart CCTV cameras linked to the Integrated Operations Centre.

"To further expand coverage in Sabah, JENDELA 2 will be enhanced with 800 new locations, particularly in rural areas and islands, with an estimated total cost of RM1.4 billion," MCMC said in a statement here today.

The allocation will cover both development and operational costs over a five-year period, with the project expected to benefit 3.7 million people in Sabah and achieve 100 per cent coverage in populated areas.

As of September 2025, 131 National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) are operational statewide, with an operational cost of around RM210 million for five years.

“NADI provides equal opportunities, particularly for rural communities, to participate in the knowledge-based economy through community learning spaces, internet access, skills training, online services, and digital literacy programmes,” the statement added.

In addition, the government is rolling out a Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) project for Army Family Housing (RKAT) in military camps across Sabah, providing fibre optic connections directly to the homes of military personnel.

MCMC reported that nine military camps in Sabah have benefited from this initiative, which involves approximately 6,900 homes, at a total cost of RM14.2 million.

MCMC remains committed to ensuring these efforts improve network quality, enhance user experience as well as online security, and contribute to more inclusive smart city development for the people of Sabah.

-- BERNAMA