THE Penang government is committed to ensuring all localities in the state are equipped with better telecommunication and internet coverage, including in rural areas.
State Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said areas such as Balik Pulau have been identified as underserved areas with a mobile broadband penetration rate that stood at 80.79%.
“As of now, a total of 973 premises in Balik Pulau have been covered with fixed broadband line and a total of 37 transmitter stations have been upgraded to meet the needs and demands of the locals.
“And through the Penang Connectivity Master Plan (PCMP) and the National Digital Infrastructure Plan (Jendela), another 1,676 premises in Balik Pulau will be equipped with fixed broadband line.
“Meanwhile, for mobile broadband, there is a plan to build a new telecommunication structure in the area,” Zairil (PH-Tanjong Bungah) said in reply to Mohd Tuah Ismail (PH-Pulau Betong) during the State Legislative Assembly sitting at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
Mohd Tuah had asked if there is any plan from the state government to overcome the slow internet connection in Balik Pulau.
Zairil said the state government, together with the local councils, Public Works Department (PWD) and the Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC), would also continue to monitor and improve the internet coverage provided by telco companies from time to time.
“This is crucial to ensure the people in the state receive the best telecommunication and internet coverage, especially to those living in the rural areas.
“We also want to increase efforts to reduce the digital divide among the community in line with digital development in public places, such as the implementation of cashless initiatives, work from home and home teaching and learning (PdPR).
“After all, the Covid-19 situation has shown us how important it is to have a stable and fast internet as people have to work from home and students have to embark on online learning during the lockdown. Rest assured, the state government remains committed to solving the issue,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Alissala Thian