KUCHING: Sarawak plans to install antennas on water towers to provide internet coverage to the rural areas, especially in the villages, longhouses and schools.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said instead of continuing to construct more new telco towers, the Sarawak government is adapting the new approach, which is to use the space on the high-level water storage tank (water tower).
“We can attach antennas on the high-level water storage tank to provide internet connectivity to a particular area and its surroundings.
“This is an ‘out of the box’ idea in developing Sarawak, where the water tower will have multiple functions, which can help to cut down the cost (of constructing new telco towers),” he said.
Abang Johari was speaking at a press conference after officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony of the plantation road upgrade from Gedong to Kampung Semalatong, Simunjan today.
He said Kampung Sageng will be the first location for the trial, where the high-level-water-tank will be installed with an antenna to provide internet coverage for the area.
Meanwhile, the premier is also confident all issues relating to water and electricity in Sarawak will be resolved by 2030; making Sarawak the most-developed region in Malaysia.
“By 2030, all the interior settlements, including longhouses will be enjoying renewable energy supply; either through a solar hybrid station – similar to the one at Long San or solar panel on the rooftop.
“As for water supply, we have already improved the pressure and water sources; but the only issue now is the distribution pipes in the villages, which often burst due to strong water pressure. Thus, we will need to upgrade the distribution pipe in the affected areas,” he pointed out.
