Kota Kinabalu:The city is poised for transformation into a smart city with a RM300 million project set to conclude by February 2028, aimed at improving urban management, public safety, and service delivery.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that the Kota Kinabalu Smart City Project commenced on August 6. It is a collaborative effort between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), financed through Universal Service Provision (USP) funds.
The project entails the development of fibre-optic and public Wi-Fi networks, incorporating 50 kilometres of backbone network and 308 kilometres of last-mile network. It also involves the installation of 822 smart poles and multi-purpose poles, as well as the establishment of a Network Operations Command Centre (NOCC).
A total of 1,696 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed across the DBKK administrative area to facilitate real-time monitoring of urban activities, enhancing the authority's capacity to manage traffic, security, and emergencies effectively.
Teo Nie Ching highlighted the significance of real-time data collection through CCTV cameras, stating that it would enable DBKK to make more accurate and timely decisions, thereby improving urban management and service delivery.
The NOCC will be housed in the historic Kota Kinabalu Magistrates' Court building, which will be refurbished. A data centre with a capacity of 120 kilowatts (kW) and an additional 30 kW of reserve capacity will be developed adjacent to it, complete with a backup power supply system to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Renovation of the NOCC building and construction of the data centre are anticipated to be completed within six months. Following this, DBKK staff will undergo training to prepare for operating the system.
The project also includes public Wi-Fi facilities to enhance digital connectivity, support local business growth, and create new economic opportunities for the community. MCMC will cover the operating costs of the smart city infrastructure for five years post-development before transferring the facility to DBKK.
Kota Kinabalu MP Datuk Chan Foong Hin acknowledged the project's significance in modernizing Sabah's state capital and improving safety for residents and tourists. He noted that integrating information from the CCTV network and other digital systems would enhance urban planning and management.
Chan expressed gratitude to MCMC for their role in the project, viewing it as a crucial contribution to Kota Kinabalu's development and Sabah's digital transformation.