Kuala lumpur: A total of 77 new telecommunications towers are set to be constructed along approximately 50 kilometers of highway identified as having inadequate telecommunications coverage, announced Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing the country's highway network's communication capabilities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this target was established as part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). The MoU aims to bolster communications infrastructure along Malaysia's highways, paving the way for the development of smart highways. These highways would integrate road networks with communications infrastructure to improve real-time traffic management, digital asset monitoring, safety systems, and overall travel efficiency.
Nanta emphasized the importance of collaboration between LLM and MCMC, highlighting that smart highway development requires robust coordination between road and communications infrastructures. The implementation of future initiatives, such as Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), data-driven traffic analytics, and the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system, relies on comprehensive and reliable infrastructure readiness. He addressed these points during the MoU exchange ceremony.
The collaboration between MCMC and LLM targets locations facing geographical and technical challenges that necessitate a tailored approach to infrastructure development. Nanta pointed out that highways now act as strategic economic corridors, connecting commercial centers, industrial areas, ports, airports, and communities across Malaysia. As such, future highway infrastructure must evolve through smarter, more integrated, and resilient methods.
The MoU, signed earlier by MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and LLM chairman Datuk Seri Ir Hasni Mohammad, seeks to accelerate digital infrastructure development alongside physical infrastructure. This will enhance telecommunications coverage and service quality, supporting Malaysia's economic growth. The MoU exchange was witnessed by Nanta and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.