Sarawak Wants To Be Involved In The SALAM Project

KUCHING, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi hopes the federal government can provide space for the state’s telecommunications companies to be involved in the implementation of the MADANI Submarine Cable Connection (SALAM) project.

 The SALAM project is an initiative announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2026 to strengthen the country's digital infrastructure.

The SALAM initiative will involve the construction of a 3,190km submarine fibre-optic cable connecting  Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah, Julaihi said during the winding-up session for the ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

In another development, Julaihi said the state government-owned telecommunications company, SACOFA is currently actively implementing fiber-optic improvements to increase network capacity and supporting infrastructure.

“The initiative, which began last October, is expected to be completed within 20 months. It aims to increase backhaul service capabilities for telecommunications service providers such as CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile to reduce network congestion and provide more stable internet connection quality to users,” he said.

-- BERNAMA