KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has proposed for the reinstatement of 300 very small aperture terminals (VSAT) to boost satellite connectivity in rural areas in the state.
The proposal was made by state Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during a meeting with Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil at his office in Menara Kinabalu near here.
He added that the VSATs are to increase the number of the Digital Economic Centres from 118 to 200.
It will also expedite the completion of existing towers and the Point of Presence method of fibre optic hubs at schools.
Hajiji gave his assurance that the state government will facilitate the expediting of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) to achieve the 100 per cent internet connectivity target by the end of 2025.
"My instructions are clear. All local authorities and district offices must facilitate this so the projects under Jendela in the state are implemented smoothly," he said in a statement.
At a separate event when inaugurating the Maritime Exercise Perkasa Timur 2/2023 of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in Sabah Port, Hajiji said the vast waters of Sabah, which border neighbouring countries, pose challenges to the state's security forces and agencies.
The situation resulted in various cross-border criminal activities, including drug, cigarette and subsidised goods smuggling; and intrusion of foreign fishermen in the state's waters.
However, he said such activities can be thwarted by security forces and agencies, including the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, police and military.
"I hope that integrated training in joint operations between the state security forces and agencies will continue to be improved in the future to address various criminal activities, whether on land or at sea."