INTRODUCTION
Communication is a fundamental aspect of societal development, playing a critical role in economic growth, social cohesion, and governance. In 2020, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) mentioned that in Sarawak, a significant communication gap persisted between urban and rural areas, creating disparities in access to information, opportunities, and services. This gap is attributed to factors such as geographical challenges, limited infrastructure, technological disparities and socio-economic differences. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving balanced development and ensuring that rural communities are not left behind.
We are glad to note that the government is doing everything possible to narrow the gap.
CAUSES OF COMMUNICATION GAPS
• Geographical Challenges
Sarawak is the largest geographical areas in Malaysia, with vast rainforests, mountainous terrains, and numerous rivers.
These geographical features make it difficult to establish comprehensive communication networks, especially in remote areas. Many villages are only accessible by river or rough logging roads, limiting the expansion of telecommunication services. The physical isolation of these communities contributes to their limited access to timely information and communication facilities.
• Limited Infrastructure and Connectivity
Despite ongoing development efforts, many rural areas in Sarawak still lack reliable telecommunication infrastructure. The installation of cellular towers, fibre optic cables, and internet broadband facilities are costly and challenging in sparsely populated regions. This has resulted in poor mobile network coverage and slow or non-existent internet connections.
In contrast, urban centres such as Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu enjoy high-speed internet and advanced communication facilities, widening the digital divide between urban and rural populations.
• Technological Disparities
The digital divide is further exacerbated by the lack of access to modern communication tools in rural areas. While urban dwellers have smartphones, computers, and reliable internet access, many rural residents rely on outdated communication methods such as radios and newspapers. Furthermore, digital literacy levels are lower in rural communities, making it difficult for them to utilise online platforms for education, commerce, and social engagement.
• Socio-Economic Differences
Economic disparities also contribute to communication gaps. Rural communities often face financial constraints that prevent them from purchasing mobile devices, subscribing to internet services, or investing in digital education. Additionally, the cost of telecommunication services in remote areas is often higher due to logistical challenges, making it unaffordable for many low-income households.
IMPACT OF COMMUNICATION GAPS
• Limited Access to Education
The communication gap has significant implications for education in rural Sarawak. With the rise of digital learning platforms, students in urban areas benefit from online resources and virtual classrooms. However, rural students struggle with inconsistent internet access, affecting their ability to participate in e-learning programmes. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these disparities, as many rural students were unable to attend online classes due to poor connectivity.
• Restricted Economic Opportunities
Limited communication infrastructure hinders economic development in rural areas. Entrepreneurs and farmers in remote communities struggle to access market information, promote their products, or engage in e-commerce. Without reliable internet access, rural businesses cannot leverage digital marketing or participate in online trade, restricting their economic potential.
• Ineffective Government Outreach
Government initiatives, policies, and aid programmes often fail to reach rural communities effectively due to communication barriers. Many rural residents are unaware of available government assistance, healthcare programmes or employment opportunities (Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit, 2022). The lack of information flow contributes to a sense of marginalisation and limits rural participation in national development efforts.
• Healthcare Disparities
Communication gaps also impact healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine and online health consultations, which have become increasingly popular in urban areas, are largely inaccessible to rural populations. This limits their ability to seek timely medical advice and contributes to poor health outcomes (World Health Organisation, 2021). Additionally, public health awareness campaigns often fail to reach remote communities, affecting disease prevention efforts.
STRATEGIES TO BRIDGE THE COMMUNICATION GAP
• Expanding Telecommunication Infrastructure
The government and private sector must collaborate to improve telecommunication infrastructure in rural Sarawak. Initiatives such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) should be accelerated to expand mobile coverage and internet accessibility in remote areas.
The National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) is a dynamic 5-year government plan, spanning from 2019 to 2023, to provide sustainable, comprehensive, high quality and affordable digital connectivity to the nation.
• Promoting Digital Literacy
Educational programmes should be introduced to enhance digital literacy among rural communities. Schools, community centres and non-governmental organisations can provide training on internet usage, online safety, and digital entrepreneurship to empower rural residents with essential technological skills.
• Subsidising Communication Services
To make communication services more affordable, the government can introduce subsidies or incentives for rural residents to access mobile networks and broadband services. Public-private partnerships can also help reduce the cost of telecommunication infrastructure development.
• Leveraging Alternative Communication Methods
In areas where internet access remains a challenge, alternative communication strategies such as community radio stations, SMS-based information services, and satellite communication can be utilised to bridge the gap. These methods can be effective in disseminating important information, particularly during emergencies or disaster situations.
CONCLUSION
The communication gap between urban and rural areas in Sarawak remains a significant challenge that affects education, economic opportunities, healthcare and governance. While geographical and infrastructural barriers exist, targeted policies and investments can help bridge this divide. By expanding telecommunication infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, subsidising communication services, and leveraging alternative methods, Sarawak can achieve more inclusive development and ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the digital age. Addressing these communication gaps is essential for fostering social equity, economic growth, and overall progress in Sarawak.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
