By Muhamad Adzhar Tajuddin
IPOH, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The National Digital Network (JENDELA) Phase 2 project in Perak will involve the construction and upgrading of more than 30 transmitter sites in selected Orang Asli villages across the state.
Perak Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said the move was essential to ensure that the Orang Asli community had access to quality internet services in their settlements.
“Better and more stable telecommunications coverage in these Orang Asli settlements is vital to ensure the community is not left behind in modernisation and the growth of the nation's digital economy,” he told Bernama.
Apart from Orang Asli villages, he said efforts would also focus on strengthening coverage along major highways through the Dijadinet Highway project, involving three locations on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and seven on the West Coast Expressway (WCE).
“The projects along both major expressways are important for improving telecommunications coverage, enhancing user safety and strengthening connectivity along the state's strategic routes,” he said.
Mohd Azlan hoped that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telecommunications service providers would work closely together to implement both projects.
“The state government's priority is not merely to develop infrastructure, but to ensure that every segment of society in Perak, including the Orang Asli community and expressway users, has access to stable, quality and comprehensive telecommunications services,” he said.
When tabling Budget 2027 in Parliament on Oct 9, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM5 billion to strengthen internet connectivity nationwide through the JENDELA initiative.
The initiative will be expanded next year, focusing on providing 4G coverage in all Orang Asli villages, internet coverage along 7,000 kilometres of roads and 1,700 kilometres of railway tracks, as well as implementing the MADANI Submarine Cable System (SALAM) project.
-- BERNAMA