Melaka: Melaka is moving to create a 'digital highway' through a RM30 million investment by Maxis Berhad to connect 151 telecommunications towers across the state with 200 kilometres of fibre-optic network. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the collaboration between Melaka ICT Holdings (MICTH) and Maxis is expected to take seven years, strengthening the state's digital connectivity infrastructure and supporting technology-driven economic growth.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the aspiration is to transform Melaka into a digital hub. Previously, connectivity to telecommunications towers relied on microwave transmission, but the new initiative offers the option of connecting them directly to fibre optics. This development is anticipated to not only provide a better network but also lay the foundation for future technological and digital economic advancements, effectively creating a digital highway that connects people to more opportunities.
Earlier, Ab Rauf witnessed the exchange of agreement documents between MICTH, represented by its chief executive officer Dr Nazdiana Ab Wahab, and Maxis, represented by its chief executive officer Goh Seow Eng. Ab Rauf emphasized that digital connectivity has evolved into a basic necessity that supports education, businesses, government service delivery, investment, and the daily lives of the people. He expressed hope that the collaboration with Maxis would be executed according to the agreed timeline and commitments, enhancing connectivity, boosting economic growth, and creating more opportunities for the people.
The project will be fully funded by Maxis, while the state government will provide the telecommunications tower infrastructure to be connected to the fibre-optic network. This initiative aligns with the Smart Melaka Blueprint 2035 and aims to establish an ecosystem supporting future technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, industrial automation, and smart city development. The project will significantly increase the proportion of telecommunications towers in Melaka equipped with fibre-optic connectivity from about 40 per cent to 80 per cent.
Meanwhile, 4G coverage in populated areas in Melaka has reached almost 100 per cent, while 5G coverage stands at 89.9 per cent. The more stable fibre-optic network will also support the Kampung Digital initiative, which uses QR code-based address mapping and Google Maps to help emergency services locate people more accurately.