Gopeng: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is set to enhance the communication network to tackle poor Internet access in the Ayer Kuning state constituency.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the State Communications, Multimedia and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Committee chairman, Mohd Azlan Helmi, has acknowledged numerous complaints regarding the issue, including concerns raised by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. The complaints particularly highlight connectivity challenges in the village areas of the constituency.

MCMC plans to conduct an on-site study next week to thoroughly assess the situation. This move comes ahead of the Ayer Kuning by-election, which is expected to draw a significant number of visitors, potentially leading to Internet congestion due to a sudden increase in users. The existing coverage may struggle to accommodate the surge, prompting the need for immediate network enhancements.

Mohd Azlan communicated these developments during the Meriah Beraya Sejahtera Programme organized by the state government at the Mydin supermarket in the Gopeng Rural Transformation Centre. At the event, 200 recipients from the Tualang Sekah state constituency were provided with RM150 each in cash aid to purchase essential items for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled April 26 as the polling day for the Ayer Kuning state by-election, with nomination day on April 12 and early voting on April 22. This by-election follows the passing of the incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, who died on February 22 from a heart attack after participating in a football tournament at City Stadium, George Town, Penang.