Cyberjaya: The Selangor state government has embarked on a strategic initiative to fortify its digital infrastructure through the Fiberisation-Cyberjaya Project. This project is considered a fundamental necessity akin to roads, water, and electricity supply.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that the 41.1-kilometre high-capacity underground fibre optic project in Cyberjaya is spearheaded by SmartSel Sdn Bhd, a state government-owned digital infrastructure company, in partnership with OCK Group Berhad as the development implementer. This endeavor marks the initial phase of establishing the Selangor Dark Fibre Network, a state-owned fibre optic network extending 889 km, designed to be open, neutral, and high-speed.
Amirudin highlighted the fiberisation project as crucial for providing a robust digital infrastructure foundation to bolster the digital economy's growth, encompassing data centres, data-driven manufacturing, industries, and high-value investments. He emphasized the focus on constructing the state's digital backbone, with this initiative serving as a foundation for developing a more strategic, inclusive, and public interest-oriented Selangor Dark Fibre Network.
The announcement was made at the launching ceremony of the Fiberisation-Cyberjaya Project, which also included the signing of a Business Alliance Framework between SmartSel and OCK, along with a memorandum of agreement with OCK's subsidiary, OCK Datawave Sdn Bhd, for the development, operation, and maintenance of fibre optic infrastructure in Cyberjaya.
Present at the event were MBI Selangor Group CEO Datuk Saipolyazan M. Yusop, OCK Group Berhad non-executive chairman Datuk Syed Norulzaman Syed Kamarulzaman, and group managing director Datuk Sam Ooi Chin Khoon. Amirudin stated that the development of high-capacity fibre optic infrastructure aligns with Selangor's aspirations to become a Smart State and a regional digital hub.
At a subsequent press conference, Amirudin revealed that the Fiberisation-Cyberjaya Project is expected to be completed within six months, after which it will expand to Shah Alam with a 178 km route. The state government aims to complete the entire 889 km communication fiberisation network within three years, ensuring the state's digital infrastructure reaches an optimal level and serves as a strong backbone for Smart State development.
Amirudin noted that the entire project is anticipated to cost RM267 million, facilitated through strategic partnerships with private companies and funding support from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Addressing concerns about dredging operations, he assured that disruptions would be minimized by utilizing existing alignments such as railroads, highways, and water and electricity pipelines.
Additionally, Amirudin mentioned that several utility companies possess their own fibre optic infrastructure for internal use. Cooperation with the state government will enable the utilization of relevant lines, as some of the land involved is state-owned. SmartSel has been entrusted with managing the overall implementation of the project, either by area or in stages.