KUALA LUMPUR – Telecommunications providers have been urged to conduct regular on-site inspections of towers in remote parts of Pahang to ensure consistent network access, particularly for rural communities.
State Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said that equal access to connectivity should not be compromised, regardless of location, Bernama reported.
“I would like to remind telcos to take telecommunication disruptions in Pahang seriously, regardless of the reasons. We have a shared trust and responsibility that must be carried out together,” he said during a visit to Kampung Gusai in Jerantut today.
Fadzli is currently on a two-day working visit to Mukim Hulu Tembeling, which began yesterday, together with officials from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
He said mobile coverage in populated areas of Pahang has now reached 99.54 per cent, a notable improvement from 89.2 per cent prior to the implementation of the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative. Full coverage is expected under Phase Two of the Jendela programme.
“The main factor behind this increase in coverage is the construction of 270 new towers, implemented since 2021 across Pahang, particularly in rural settlements, traditional villages and along rural roads.
“In addition, another contributing factor is the upgrading of 902 existing transmission stations from 3G to 4G coverage, which was fully completed in 2023,” he added.
Fadzli said the state government has formally requested the Communications Ministry to prioritise Pahang for funding under Jendela Phase Two, especially for new tower construction in remote regions such as Mukim Hulu Tembeling.
He also highlighted the persistent issue of service disruptions in Hulu Tembeling, often triggered by damaged fibre optic cables caused by wildlife interference, natural disasters and falling tree branches.
According to Fadzli, telcos have briefed the state government on plans to replace affected fibre optic cables in Kampung Gusai and six other locations leading up to Kem Nusa in Kuala Tahan. The repair works are scheduled to begin today and are expected to be completed by August. – June 2, 2025