KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has expressed its appreciation to the federal government for its swift action to provide broadband service to a village in Kampung Gusi, Ranau, using the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had acted promptly after eight students were seen seeking better internet coverage on a bridge that had collapsed in Kampung Gusi on Nov 23.

“Rural areas in Sabah need better internet coverage, not just to facilitate their studies, but also for daily communications.

“Good internet coverage was important during this COVID-19 pandemic, especially in benefiting students in their lessons,” he said in a statement here today.

Joachim, who is also State Industrial Development Minister, said better internet coverage would also make it easier for villagers to access information on the government’s latest programmes.

On Nov 29, MCMC said in a statement that it would implement a temporary solution to the students’ predicament by providing broadband services to Kampung Gusi through VSAT technology.

It also said three telecommunication towers would be built near Kampung Gusi under the National Digital Networking Plan (JENDELA).