KUCHING: Various areas in Sebuyau are tipped to have better internet and telecommunications coverage in the near future.

Infrastructure and Ports Development Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said it is crucial that rural areas in the constituency are equipped with steady phone lines and internet.

“I have requested a briefing from Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) which both are state government agencies responsible for the management and administration of communication networks and internet in the state.

“I have discussed and informed SMA and SDEC about the importance of telecommunication networks, namely phone lines, DSL lines, and most importantly, internet connectivity to all residents.

“Regardless of geographical factors, all villages and urban areas, inclusive of its public facilities such as community halls, schools, surau, mosques and houses of worships must have proper connectivity,” he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Earlier, Julaihi visited several locations in Sebuyau for the installation of telecommunication towers and broadband networks.

He said among the places visited were Kampung Mambai, Kampung Kesindu, Kampung Ensika, Kampung Entangor, Kampung Tungkah Melayu, Kampung Sampat dan Kampung Tungkah Dayak.

The Sebuyau assemblyman said among the issues raised during the visit was the WiFi coverage.

“Proper connectivity for the all the villages will be ensured,” he said, adding that other localities that will also be developed include Pekan Sebuyau, Kampung Seberang Sebuyau, Kampung Tebelu, Pekan Sebangan, Kampung Sungai Ladong and Kampung Segali.

Also present during the visit were Samarahan Resident Berahim Lumpu, SDEC chief executive officer Sudarnoto Osman, SMA special administrative officer Awang Johari Awang Mustapha and political secretary to the Chief Minister, Abdul Samat Gany.