Melaka Utility Corridor Will Enhance State's Telecommunication Access - Ab Rauf

MELAKA, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The establishment of the Melaka Utility Corridor (KUM) is expected to accelerate the underground detection and mapping (UDM) process, improving telecommunications access and driving the state's economic development.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said that the establishment of KUM builds on the existing functions of the Infrastructure Corridor and Social Impact Division (BKI), which manages electricity and water as the primary entry points for UDM applications.

“I believe that this (underground utility mapping) effort, set to commence on Jan 1, 2025, will positively impact state development, by creating a more coordinated and organised utility and infrastructure system,” he said.

“Under this KUM, three new scopes will be implemented: the Open Access Fibre Optic Network, the Integrated and Common Purpose Fibre Optic Pole (overhead pole) and the Integrated Utility Tunnel (DURC)," he said at a press conference, after witnessing the agreement to establish the Melaka Utility Corridor, which was signed between the Melaka government and Corridor Utiliti Melaka Sdn Bhd, at Seri Negeri, here, today.

The agreement was signed by Melaka State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, on behalf of the state government, while KUM Sdn Bhd was represented by its chief executive officer Ismael Hamdan.

Commenting further, Ab Rauf said that the agreement has an initial term of 10 years, with an additional five years to be considered for contract extension.

“The state government has also agreed that four concessionaires, which won bids and signed an agreement with the Melaka government, will be placed under KUM,” he said.

-- BERNAMA