Kuala lumpur: The second phase of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) plan is expected to commence in September, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. He stated that the initiative, which involves nearly 3,000 sites nationwide, will no longer rely solely on the construction of conventional telecommunication towers. Instead, a hybrid approach will be adopted to expedite deployment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi explained that for the second phase, they do not intend to build traditional towers alone, as some areas requiring coverage may not need a 76-metre or 60-metre tower. A 30-metre monopole might suffice, so a more hybrid solution is being considered, which is expected to speed up implementation. Fahmi was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Larry Sng Wei Shien (PBM-Julau) during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, who inquired about the commencement of the second phase of JENDELA.
In response to Sng's main question regarding 4G and 5G internet coverage in the Julau parliamentary constituency, especially at rural schools facing connectivity challenges, Fahmi mentioned that 4G coverage in populated areas of Julau has reached 58.28 percent. The expansion of internet coverage in rural and remote schools is being carried out under the JENDELA plan. As of June 30, 43 out of 48 new communication towers have been completed and are operational, with 44 out of 45 transmitter stations upgraded. Additionally, 1,391 premises have been equipped with fibre-optic access.
On the subject of 5G connectivity, Fahmi stated that implementation in Julau remains under consideration, as priority is currently given to densely populated and industrial areas. However, 5G coverage will be extended to rural areas, including Julau, in stages based on need and infrastructure readiness.
Fahmi also highlighted other initiatives, noting that the Sarawak government, through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), is building 600 new towers under the SMART 600 initiative, including in Julau. A total of 29 towers are already operational, while another 15 are under construction. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with SDEC to accelerate connectivity efforts in Sarawak.
Additionally, broadband infrastructure is being expanded using the Point of Presence (PoP) approach, with 12 PoPs completed in Julau to date, offering 1,225 subscription ports with speeds of up to 1Gbps.