Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has successfully resolved 941 out of 987 formal complaints regarding internet coverage disruptions in Sabah between January 1 and May 31. The remaining 46 cases are anticipated to be resolved shortly. The Communications Ministry has confirmed that these outstanding complaints are being actively addressed by service providers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MCMC's audits during the same period identified 494 cases of non-compliance with the Mandatory Standards for Quality of Service (MSQoS) across Sabah. Out of these, 332 cases necessitate the construction of new transmission sites, 104 have been resolved through network optimization, 18 are projected to be completed by December 2026 using the same method, while the remaining 40 cases are still being investigated by service providers and MCMC.
The ministry emphasized in a written reply published on Parliament's website that the government, through MCMC, consistently monitors network performance and service quality by conducting audits and investigating complaints from users.
In a separate written response to Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan concerning 5G development, the ministry reported that, as of May 31, coverage in populated areas of Sabah had reached 68.9 percent under Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and 63.9 percent under U Mobile Sdn Bhd. DNB has established 593 5G transmission sites in Sabah, while U Mobile has upgraded 482 sites.
Coverage in populated areas across 11 parliamentary constituencies, including Tuaran, Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu, Putatan, Penampang, Papar, Libaran, Batu Sapi, Sandakan, Tawau, and Kalabakan, has surpassed 80 percent through at least one of the two service providers.
The ministry stated that the government will continue to monitor the network rollout by both 5G service providers to ensure coverage expansion remains on schedule. This includes the phased extension of services to rural areas. The government aims to achieve 98 percent 5G coverage in populated and industrial areas, including rural areas, by 2030, in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
The ministry also highlighted that service providers found violating license conditions or MCMC directives could face action under Section 242 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This could result in a fine of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.