Following yesterday’s fiasco, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a statement that clarifies the status of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan Phase 1 (NFCP 1). Under the plan, Sabah was supposed to be the biggest beneficiary with 50 new sites planned in the state which will improve connectivity in rural areas.
According to the MCMC, the newly announced JENDELA plan is a revamp of the NFCP. For Sabahans that are supposed to benefit from NFCP 1, the MCMC has assured that priority will be given to communications infrastructure developments in the state under the JENDELA plan between 2020 to 2022.
As announced by the Prime Minister, a total of 382 new communication towers will be erected in Sabah while 924 communication transmitters on existing towers will be upgraded using the Universal Service Provision (USP) Fund. A total of 35 new towers and 1,048 transmitters will be upgraded commercially by telcos to increase 4G coverage. A total of 251,166 premises will also get access to fibre under JENDELA.
4G for Kampung Sapatalang
The MCMC has also mentioned that a 4G mobile tower will be erected at Veveonah’s village at Kampung Sapatalang, Pitas, Sabah. Back in June, the MCMC announced that a new tower was planned for Kampung Bilangau Kecil which is located near Kampung Sapatalang. This development will be implemented under NFCP 1 and it is expected to be completed in Q2 2021.
Under the JENDELA plan, the targets set under the NFCP will be improved and expedited to overcome post COVID-19 challenges. The official statement also says that the MCMC in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia and service providers are committed to provide the best experience for Malaysians and to generate growth with a sustainable communications infrastructure.
In case you missed it, a Sabahan Senator had asked in Dewan Negara about the status of the NFCP especially for Sabah. In his reply, the Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin had called Veveonah a fraud which sparked outrage online.
He told Parliament that she wasn’t taking an exam and she recorded the video just to get attention. After receiving public backlash, the Deputy Minister apologised and claims to have received wrong information. Veveonah had expressed disappointment over the issue but she forgave those who have attacked her.
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