Matbali Praises MADANI Government For Empowering Digital Infrastructure In Sipitang

SIPITANG, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Sipitang Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Matbali Musah has praised the MADANI government’s concern under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil who continue to focus on the development of digital infrastructure in Sabah’s rural areas.

He said the government’s move to introduce a hybrid power plant installation plan at several telecommunications tower locations, including in the Long Pasia and Meligan areas, demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that rural communities also enjoy stable and continuous internet access.

“He (Fahmi) has given a clear enough picture of his concern as the minister responsible for identifying areas that need upgrading, particularly in the Sipitang parliamentary constituency

"So, that means remote areas also need to enjoy these benefits so that we can ensure we continue to live in harmony and prosperity in our beloved Malaysia," he told reporters when attending the NADI on Wheels (NOW) programme here today.

The programme, which was officiated by Fahmi, was also attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) deputy managing director (Regulatory and Corporate) Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

The Long Pasia and Meligan areas in the Sipitang district are located about 250 kilometres (km) from Kota Kinabalu, making them among the most remote inland areas in Sabah.

In that programme, Fahmi said he had instructed MCMC to contact telecommunications companies to improve communication towers that frequently experience power outages, including through the installation of hybrid power systems that combine solar, diesel and batteries.

The minister said this initiative was among the preparedness measures ahead of the Northeast Monsoon to ensure communication towers were not affected by floods and that internet services remained operational.

Matbali said the implementation of the hybrid project is very welcome news for residents in the interior areas of Sipitang, who have long faced challenges in accessing digital facilities. At least, what the minister just said provides a boost of morale, especially for the residents of the Sipitang parliamentary constituency, to continue enjoying what is available in other areas," he said.

He also described the MADANI government’s efforts as proof that social justice and the well-being of the people are the main focus, regardless of race or religious background.

"In Sabah, we have over 36 ethnic groups, but we are well aware of the Prime Minister's concern, and the MADANI government today is also very concerned and transparent in ensuring that the well-being and harmony of the people are prioritised," he added.

-- BERNAMA