Kota bharu: 5G network coverage in populated areas in Kelantan has reached about 87 per cent this year, surpassing the national target of 80 per cent set for 2026. State Education, Higher Education, Green Technology, Digital and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Wan Roslan Wan Hamat announced this accomplishment, aligning with the government's aspirations to provide high-speed and affordable internet access to both the public and the business sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Federal Government has allocated funds to further expand the digital infrastructure. This includes RM770 million for the remaining Point of Presence (POP) Phase 2 sites near industrial areas and selected schools in rural and remote areas. Additionally, RM780 million has been set aside for JENDELA 2, the second phase of the National Digital Network Plan, which aims to cover 2,700 new locations. Datuk Wan Roslan emphasized the importance of ensuring these projects benefit areas that are most in need.

Wan Roslan highlighted that the state government is committed to ensuring that improvements in digital infrastructure reach rural and interior areas, as well as industrial zones, educational centres, tourism sites, and economic growth centres. He stressed the need to consider Kelantan's unique geographical conditions, population distribution, and economic structure in the development of 5G to guarantee comprehensive utilization of the facilities.

The chairman expressed concerns about the potential digital divide between urban and rural communities. He pointed out the risk of children in interior areas falling behind in digital education, small entrepreneurs in districts missing opportunities to expand their businesses using technology, and the lack of digital infrastructure potentially limiting investment in the state.