PUTRAJAYA, Nov 20 — The implementation of Phase 2 of the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative must be overhauled to ensure the effectiveness of the programme, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the selection of tower sites must also be reviewed, following several issues, including unfinished towers and delays in providing connectivity by the companies entrusted with the task.
“I want the entire process of Phase 2 of Jendela to be overhauled, and the selection process of tower locations to be reviewed.
“Some contracts have already been issued with specific locations, but after two years, the companies suddenly say, ‘Oh, we can't build there’. To me, that’s nonsense,” he told reporters after attending the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.
Fahmi also expressed concerns regarding the unfinished towers under Phase 1 of Jendela, particularly in Sabah.
“In Sabah, out of the 382 towers that were supposed to be delivered, only 215 have been completed and handed over. Of that number, only 61 per cent, or 130 towers, are on air.
“This is very, very unsatisfactory. Every time I go to Sabah, we hold discussions with the companies entrusted with the task. They signed the contracts and agreed to do the work, but they are not punctual and are behind schedule,” he said.
Elaborating, Fahmi said these delays involve major telcos that have failed to fulfil their responsibilities.
“In some cases, there were towers that had been completed for more than nine months but still not ‘on air’. I have called the CEOs (of those companies) and gave them a stern reminder. I told them that they have to get this done, or I’ll put their name and phone numbers at the tower to let the people know who is stalling.
“After this, I want every MP and assemblyman to know which companies are assigned to complete the towers and which telcos are responsible for providing the connectivity,” he stressed.
Fahmi said Jendela is a non-commercial programme aimed at helping people in rural areas who are still struggling in terms of telecommunications coverage.
“This is a programme for the people. Moving forward, I will ask MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) to send a letter to every MP and assemblyman to inform them of which telcos failed to complete the work after the towers were built,” he added.
Jendela, which was launched in 2020, is a government initiative aimed at improving coverage and the quality of communication services nationwide.
— Bernama
