KUALA LUMPUR: Contractors involved in the construction of telecommunications towers under Malaysia’s National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) have been urged to expedite their work to meet a December 31 deadline, or face potential penalties.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching warned that contractors who fail to meet the deadlines specified in their Notification of Approval could face a range of punitive measures. These include liquidated damages, enforcement of performance bonds, rejection of claims, and other legal actions as outlined under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). A Non-Compliance Notice was issued on October 28, 2024, to all Phase 1 and Phase 2 Designated Universal Service Providers (DUSP) who have yet to complete their JENDELA projects.
In a statement made during the winding up of the debate on the 2025 Supply Bill at the Dewan Negara, Teo noted that DUSPs were granted a 1-2 month extension until December 31 to complete their work.
Failure to do so could result in the imposition of liquidated damages. As of October 31, 1,385 tower structures have been completed out of the 1,661 planned in Phase 1 of JENDELA, but only 808 towers are operational.
Teo also mentioned that 603 Orang Asli villages have benefited from 4G network coverage provided by the operational towers as of October 31. An additional 82 Orang Asli villages are expected to gain 4G coverage from towers currently under construction, which are anticipated to be completed in stages by the end of 2025. Overall, 685 or 81 percent of the 843 recorded Orang Asli villages have or will have 4G coverage.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing appealed for support in Malaysia’s bid to host China’s New Year celebration next year. This event will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations and aims to boost Malaysia’s global visibility, particularly among China’s 1.4 billion citizens. Tiong emphasized that this initiat
ive could enhance tourist arrivals and revenue, especially in regions like Kedah and Langkawi, while strengthening diplomatic relations and delivering economic benefits. He cited United Nations Tourism data indicating that Chinese tourists are the biggest spenders in tourism, and called on all Senators and stakeholders to promote Malaysia.