KUCHING (July 9): A total of 603 out of 618 Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) telecommunication towers have been completed across Sarawak, with 502 of them already activated or ‘on-air’, and 405 progressively equipped with advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology.

In disclosing this, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said digital transformation requires a strong infrastructure foundation.

“Therefore, the Sarawak Government launched the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) programme, which targets the construction of 600 4G telecommunication towers in rural and remote areas of Sarawak under the SMART project, managed by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).

“As of today, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already activated or ‘on-air’, and 405 progressively equipped with advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology.

“This MOCN technology allows major telecommunications companies such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL, and TM to provide their network services, enabling rural and remote communities to enjoy comprehensive coverage regardless of their chosen provider,” Julaihi said in his opening remarks at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

He added that the introduction of the SMART towers was further strengthened by the rollout of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), launched in March 2021.

“MySRBN leverages Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to rural communities that previously had no connectivity.

“To date, around 32,000 homes across Sarawak have been connected to MySRBN, and this number is expected to continue rising;” he said.

Julaihi emphasised that MySRBN has stimulated economic growth by opening up new opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to engage in online business.

He also stressed that successful digitalisation efforts must go beyond infrastructure and funding.

“Real digitalisation happens when communities possess strong digital literacy and the confidence to use technology in their daily lives,” he said.

The BDI @ Sarawak event, jointly organised by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), and SDEC, serves as a strategic platform to promote digitalisation, especially among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Julaihi commended MDEC, MINTRED, SDEC, and all partners involved in the initiative, expressing hope that the programme would serve as a catalyst for further digital transformation across Sarawak.

He underscored the importance of grassroots-level engagement and capacity building, pointing to training programmes conducted by SDEC based on community needs.

“Today’s initiative is the beginning of a larger movement — one to ensure that every MSME in Sarawak is given equal opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced digital economy.

“Our goal is to create an inclusive, sustainable and competitive digital landscape — not just for today, but for future generations,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) head of digital adoption Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad.

julaihi narawi lead Multi-Operator Core Network technology Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication towers